De Gea: Manchester United Never Lost Faith In Me

David De Gea admits he is still going through a learning process at Manchester United but is grateful for the support his teammates have consistently given him.

Now in his third season at Old Trafford, the Spanish shot-stopper has established himself as the club's undisputed number one choice in goal but not without having to overcome criticism thrown his way following his move from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

The 22-year-old De Gea has already marked a fine 2013 with a Premier League winners' medal, a place in the PFA Team of the Year and a Under-21 European Championship-winning medal with Spain.

But the grounded Spaniard remains fully aware of all the minor and major factors that have enabled him to be become the club's chief custodian, including the unending conviction and support his United teammates have persistently delivered.

"It's more about all the things you learn rather than one individual thing," De Gea told Manchester United's official website.

"It's an on-going process as well, especially when you come to a club from another country. The whole thing is a great experience.

"At first, everything is new. The football, the culture and how people live... it's about learning how things work at the club and getting to know your teammates.

"The whole package has been a lesson for me. The support I have had from everyone at the club has been fantastic.

"First of all you have the belief in yourself and self-confidence, but that is enhanced once your teammates and people within the club show their confidence in you and their support.

"It's a top dressing room and a great one to join. Everyone in the squad helps you a lot and the settling in process is made a lot easier by the fact that there is such a warm atmosphere here."

Following his arrival from Atletico for a fee of £18m, De Gea initially shared first-team duties with teammate Anders Lindegaard across all competitions and appeared to have lost out to the Dane in January 2012.

But last season the Spaniard tightened his grip on a first-team role, starting 28 of the club's Premier League games.