Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea says he owes his Old Trafford career to the backing of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The young goalkeeper was heavily criticised in the media, and the Spaniard has thanked former manager Ferguson for protecting him during those early days in England.
"It was a difficult time but Sir Alex always backed me. He saved me from criticism and was patient until I was ripe for United," said De Gea.
"Today I'm thankful for that [the criticism]. That made me stronger. Goalkeeper is tricky position. Mistakes are human. It's about being up to that. If you make mistakes you will have to improve. Now I'm better."
