How do United's keepers prepare?
David De Gea is the cover star of the March edition of Inside United, Manchester United’s official club magazine – which is available to buy now.
The Spaniard is once again enjoying a strong season between the sticks for the Reds, having claimed our last three Player of the Month awards, as well as the Premier League’s equivalent prize for January.
De Gea leads the top flight in terms of saves, with 85, but how does United’s no.1 prepare for games?
David sheds some light on a typical training day for the club’s goalkeepers at Carrington, during our exclusive interview…
“We usually start off in the gym, all the goalkeepers together, always separately from the rest of the squad,” the 31-year-old explained.
“We do individual work in the gym, to fully warm up and in order to prevent injury before heading outside to start training.
“We go out onto the pitches to train partly as an individual group of all the keepers with the goalkeeping coach.
“Then, depending upon what day it is and how close we are to the game, there’ll be some more individual work in the gym.
“A bit of leg strengthening or upper body work... it depends on us, and each goalkeeper does their own thing and we all have our own individual programme and so that more or less is a typical day.”
Another award for David!
ArticleOur no.1 is 'very happy' at having picked up a prestigious accolade for the first time.
A United player since 2011, De Gea is one of the more experienced faces in the squad – should he play against Brighton tonight (Tuesday), he will move into 13th place on the club’s all-time appearances list.
David says he appreciates the responsibility, not only to help the team challenge for titles – our Champions League campaign resumes against De Gea’s former club Atletico Madrid next Wednesday – but also as a guide for the younger players.
“I’ve been in football for a good few years now and many of those here at United, and I’ve a lot of experience,” the Spaniard added.
“I believe that in order to win big trophies you absolutely need to have experienced players in order to be able to compete for winning titles at the highest level.
“So yes, for sure I feel the responsibility as one of the longest-serving players in the team, and I try to be an example for the younger players and the kids, so they can see that you are always present and one hundred per cent ready and prepared.
“And, as I say, try and be of help to everyone and set a good example to all.”
The March issue of Inside United, featuring our in-depth interview with David, is available to purchase now. Order it online here.