Dubravka's huge respect for De Gea

De Gea reaches the landmark by starting against Newcastle United at Old Trafford, with Dubravka himself ineligible to feature in our squad due to being on loan from the Magpies.

“To have that achievement, to play 500 games, is a big achievement,” he said. “To play in this level, under so much pressure, so credit to him.”

Dubravka added: “It’s a massive achievement for him, he deserves it. He’s a great goalie, he’s showed the personality, in the right moments as well.

“Unbelievable and it’s good to be in the same dressing room with him, share the same dressing room, and he’s a funny guy as well – all the lads create a really good environment, so this is perfect.”

The Slovakian stopper also remarked on how David has helped him feel at home since joining United.

“We know each other obviously [from] when we’ve played against each other, so it makes it easier," added the 33-year-old. "But he’s a very open guy.

“He welcomed [me] in a very nice way, a supportive way as well. Couldn’t be better, to be fair, to settle this way.

“He’s helping the other guys as well, not just me,” he added. “The young lads as well who are in the team with us, so that’s the way how to do it with the young players – to show them how to do it, how to train, give some advice and he’s doing the right thing."

As De Gea joins the 500-club, Dubravka also noted the resilience his team-mate has shown over the years, saying: “It’s not always easy to be [your best] in different times and sometimes you struggle and he always showed a character, so, as I say credit, to him – he deserves all the nice words about him now."