Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is backing Benfica counterpart Mile Svilar to prove himself tonight.

Svilar became the youngest goalkeeper in Champions League history two weeks ago, when he started against United at the tender age of 18 years, one month and 22 days. However, it didn't all go to plan as he gaffed to allow Marcus Rashford to score the winner on the night.

But De Gea has extended his support to the Svilar, who will start at Old Trafford.

“Yes, I did have sympathy for him," De Gea told United Review. “But then that's the life of a goalkeeper for you. It can be tough especially when you are so young and make a big mistake – but in the end you just have to live with it and learn from the errors that you make. He's just a young lad and he's only just starting out his career and I'm sure he'll be fine.

“The main thing is, if you do make a mistake, you should try to quickly forget about it and just keep going. At the end of the day when you are so young you get used to any mistakes you make and you just have to cope with them. You have to work very hard and enjoy what you do."

United boss Jose Mourinho also offered his support to Svilar.

He told MUTV: “He is very good. In the next match after us, he kept a clean sheet and the same again at the weekend. He has a good personality and is a good goalkeeper."