Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea claimed an improved mental attitude is the reason behind his form for the Premier League leaders this season. The 22-year-old former Atletico Madrid No 1 has nine clean sheets from 22 league matches and has firmly established himself as No 1 at Old Trafford, following early season competition with Dane Anders Lindegaard.

David de Gea
Reuters

"I'm more confident and feel I'm playing consistently because I've had a prolonged run in the team. But training well and having a good mental attitude brings its rewards. Everything you put in, you get out. That is what you're seeing now - I'm very happy with how I'm playing," the Spaniard told the club Web site.

"I'm feeling well, in good shape and I'm at ease on the pitch. I've played a lot of matches but I get plenty of rest at home and I eat well - it's important to look after myself," he added.

United have all but sewn up the league championship this term, with a 15 point lead over second placed Manchester City. And with the Manchester derby scheduled for Monday evening, Sir Alex Ferguson will have the opportunity to humiliate his archh-rivals on home ground. De Gea said he was looking forward to the game and his first ever league winners medal.

"I'd love to win the league this season but so does everyone else in the team. We're all focused on getting three points from every game - that is what will take us to our objective. We appreciate where we are in the league and we want to finish it," the Spaniard concluded.

Zidane and Figo at Old Trafford

Zinedine Zidane
Reuters

Meanwhile, former Real Madrid legends Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo are to return to United for one more game. The French and Portuguese maestros who, with Raul, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, formed one of the most star-studded Madrid sides in recent memory, will play a charity match in the summer.

The Madrid veteran's side will include former Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder Steve McMananman, who twice won the Champions League with the Spanish giants. Meanwhile, ex-Madrid and Spain captain, Fernando Hierro has also been confirmed as a participant.

For United, fans can expect to see Dwight Yorke, Andrew Cole, Edwin van der Sar, Jaap Stam, Teddy Sheringham and Nicky Butt among others.

The match has been organised by the Manchester United Foundation, with the objective of raising money for disadvantaged young people.