De Gea Out To Emulate Edwin

Mancheser United new boy David de Gea has set his sights on emulating Edwin van der Sar's achievements at Old Trafford.

De Gea has signed a five-year deal at United after arriving from Atletico Madrid.

The Spain Under 21 international, who is United's third signing of the summer, has set his sights on filling the void left by van der Sar's retirement.

"In my opinion Edwin has been the best goalkeeper in the world whilst here at United," De Gea told MUTV.

"I hope to emulate him and spend a great number of years here. Hopefully I will equal or even surpass the performance and contribution he made to the club."

De Gea knows it could take him time to adapt to the rigours of English football admitting there are major differences between La Liga and the Premier League.

"There are differences between the two (leagues)," added De Gea.

"The Premier League is known to be a more physical style of play.

"There are a lot of high balls and a lot of play in the air but I hope to adapt fairly quickly and with my own style hope to contribute to it being an all-round success."

De Gea has set his sights on winning the Champions League with United as they look to go one better than last season's final defeat to Barcelona.

"Of course everybody wants to win the Premier League," continued De Gea.

"That's no different from me - I'd like to do that but also aiming to win the Champions League is realistic. That is what we're going to do."