David De Gea has blossomed into one of the top goalkeepers in the world since joining United in 2011.
When Sir Alex Ferguson signed the Spaniard to replace the outgoing Edwin van der Sar, the young keeper was immediately thrust into the limelight. However, having already helped Atletico Madrid to win the Europa League in 2009/10 and the UEFA Super Cup thereafter, he was more than up to the task.
His first season at United saw him unfairly scrutinised by sections of the media at every turn, as he adapted to the English game, but since then he has gone on to silence his critics and become one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
De Gea’s dominant command of his area, superb reflexes and penalty-saving prowess have all helped him develop into a top-class goalkeeper, but for his coaches it is his desire to learn and improve continuously which makes him so remarkable.
The Madrid-born shot-stopper’s fan-favourite status at Old Trafford has been emphasised by him claiming the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award on four occasions, more than any other player in United's history. Meanwhile, he has also collected the club’s Player’s Player of the Year award three times, showing the high regard his team-mates hold him in.
A mainstay of the Reds' side across all competitions, his efforts between the posts have earned him a begrudging respect from the league's forwards as well, illustrated by the fact he has appeared in the PFA Team of the Year five times.
In 2017/18, De Gea's haul of 18 clean sheets ensured he won the Premier League Golden Glove and in doing so, became the first Reds keeper to win the prize in nine years.
His impressive showreel of saves, along with his precision distribution, have enhanced his reputation in England and on the European stage, while his stand-out performances for United have also helped him nail down the senior Spain national team's no.1 jersey in recent years.
