Sir Alex Ferguson feels David De Gea has suffered due to Manchester United's profile.

Ferguson does not think the problem would have commanded such attention had the 21-year-old been plying his trade elsewhere.

"When you make a mistake at United, it is highlighted and can be exaggerated a little bit," said the Reds chief.

"They are mistakes and he wants to address it himself. He will do through maturity and the understanding of the English game.

"It is harder when you are replacing Edwin van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel. They are probably two of the greatest goalkeepers in European football over the last 40 years.

"That is not easy. I found it difficult to replace them. That's why we went for a young replacement, who would develop and mature into the position because the potential is there.

"The boy has got a great talent. He has made two or three mistakes but in two or three years' time we won't be discussing that at all because he will have matured. Then he will be realising his potential."