De Gea Hails Fan Support

David De Gea says the United fans have played a big part in helping turn his debut season at Old Trafford into one of the success stories of the campaign.

Despite a difficult start following his summer move from Atletico Madrid, the Spanish goalkeeper has been one of United's star man this term, particularly since the turn of the year.

Six clean sheets out of the last seven has helped propel the Reds into pole position at the top of the table and De Gea says he is very grateful for the support he has received from the United faithful.

"It is always a positive when the fans are behind you. It is something I can sense when I am out there on the field," he told ManUtd.com.

"It always helps you feel more relaxed and it is a source of extra motivation when you know the fans are right behind you and rooting for you.

"But all that aside, it is just a case of getting your head down, keep working hard and making sure you do have a continuous improvement all the time."

One of De Gea's key contributions to United's title bid was the dramatic last-minute, fingertip save from Chelsea's Juan Mata at Stamford Bridge after the Reds had come from three goals down to earn a vital point. It's a save the 21-year-old looks back on with great satisfaction.

"When you look back over a season there are lots of defining moments and key goals. But, I suppose, from a team point of view, and particularly from a personal point of view, the fact the save was right in the last minute was decisive," he says.

"Possibly it gave me a huge confidence boost as well. From a personal perspective that was important."

Many pundits have attributed the difficult moments De Gea has experienced this term to being a result of the differences between the Spanish and English leagues, but he insists they are actually pretty similar.

"Football-wise there are not too many differences. The style is not too dissimilar although it is maybe slightly more aggressive in this country," he adds.

"People are aware I have been trying to gain a little bit of weight in terms of muscle, maybe an odd kilo to bulk up a little bit. But the concentration levels are the same.

"You can't let your concentration levels drop for a second. So football-wise it is not so different."

David was talking to ManUtd.com and PA Sport.