De Gea Backed By The Boss

Sir Alex Ferguson has provided more backing to David De Gea and made it clear that the Spanish goalkeeper was not dropped for Manchester United's match at Newcastle.

The manager has been playing both De Gea and Anders Lindegaard this season but after Grant Hanley's winner for Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on New Year's Eve, the summer signing from Atletico Madrid faced some harsh criticism in the press.

It led to speculation that Lindegaard would be promoted above the youngster in the pecking order but Sir Alex was very clear when asked if he does have a "number one" at the club.

"I think De Gea is the long-term prospect," Sir Alex told the Sunday newspapers. "No question about that.

"I think Anders has done very well and provided tremendous competition to David but the potential of David is obvious.

"We've been doing it [rotating] quite regularly in games. It's been a nice mix of opportunities for Anders, playing in Europe and some of the league games, and we've done it maybe half a dozen times.

"Because we lost two bad goals against Blackburn doesn't mean we're neglecting that part of both of them playing."