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By NEIL CUSTIS

But just 12 months ago, the keeper could have released a blooper DVD.

The £17.8million buy from Atletico Madrid had a tough start to life at United after becoming the permanent successor to legend Edwin van der Sar.

He twice lost the regular first-team spot to Anders Lindegaard but has looked a different stopper since winning the jersey back at the start of this month.

De Gea, 22, said: “The biggest thing for me is that I’ve managed to work through some difficult times and those moments always make you stronger. It makes you a stronger person and a better player.

“I think I’ve improved right across the board, in all aspects of my game. I’m still only young and I feel as though I’m learning every day.

“I’ve hopefully got a long career ahead of me, so I want to soak up as much knowledge as I can while I’m young.”

While De Gea was at a big club in Spain with Atletico, he says it is nothing like the spotlight that has been on him since moving to Old Trafford. He added: “I’m at a huge club now and there are big demands on you.

“As a goalkeeper, I’m well aware that any mistake can be magnified by the fans. But it’s true that here at Manchester United there’s added pressure.

“It’s bigger right now than it was for me at Atletico Madrid and also for Spain Under-21s.”

United manager Alex Ferguson has always defended De Gea because of his age and relative inexperience in the Premier League.

But even he lost patience a year ago following a 3-2 home defeat to Blackburn on New Year’s Eve.

Fergie called up Lindegaard but after four games on the bounce the Dane suffered an ankle injury in training that kept him out for the rest of the season.

De Gea returned and it looked like the break had done him good. This season, Ferguson gave Lindegaard his chance for five games but his unconvincing display in the 4-3 away win at Reading saw De Gea get a recall.

The Spaniard played at home to Cluj and while Lindegaard officially missed the Manchester derby because his partner had gone into labour, he would have been on the bench anyway.

De Gea conceded twice in the dramatic victory at the Etihad but he also made a series of fantastic saves. His shot-stopping ability has never been in doubt.

He added: “When I was in Spain I’d seen the way the team always seemed to conjure up a late goal to either draw or win matches.

“I think dramatic comebacks are part of the heart and soul of this club. I love being a part of it and experiencing it.”

De Gea also put to bed rumours he is not happy in Manchester.

He added: “I’m very settled and feel like part of the furniture around the club.

“I feel very much at home in the Premier League and, of course, with my team-mates here at the club.

“I’m enjoying life here and I feel I’ve settled well.”

 

 

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