Ferdinand Backs De Gea's Self Assessment

Rio Ferdinand believes that David de Gea has the makings of yet another great Manchester United goalkeeper, with the Spaniard working and improving in each match he features in.

Since moving from Atletico Madrid last summer, de Gea began the season with some very up and down performances for the English giants, but seems to have found his feet as the campaign has worn on.

And it's perfect timing for the young keeper to improve at United, as they fight to overtake cross-town rivals Manchester City in the Premier League table and reach a record 20<sup>th title.

Ferdinand, who himself has had some tougher times this season put in a stellar performance against Spurs at the weekend and the defender believes that de Gea's mindset at United will set him apart from the rest in the present and future.

"David de Gea's made some good strides in goal," he told the official United website. "He's learning, he wants to be a better keeper and wants to improve, and that's vital in a young player's make-up."

Meanwhile, de Gea has maintained that he is satisfied with his first season at United, with the 21 year old telling AS: "Honestly, I think I have done more good things than bad things, but perhaps what I have done wrong has been reported on more.

"I have done very good things. I am happy with my performances to date and I am sure there is more coming.

"Of course I am self-critical. I have to be. Any footballer must learn from his mistakes to improve day after day and know what his weaknesses are."

The transition from the stability of Edwin van der Saar to a young and inexperienced de Gea has been tough for United, and some pundits have considered that Joe Hart's superior keeping skills for City could be a decisive force as the season hits the business end.

But United are rebuilding after the retirement of numerous older and successful players, and de Gea has a lot more to prove yet as Ferguson keeps faith in the stopper.