Sir Alex Defends De Gea

Sir Alex Ferguson has thrown his weight behind David De Gea and told the Manchester United goalkeeper to ignore any detractors in the press.

The Spaniard pulled off a string of superb saves during last weekend's 1-1 draw with Tottenham but was criticised following Clint Dempsey’s late equaliser at White Hart Lane, having only half-cleared Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s initial cross.

Since then, the media have had a field day, condemning the 22-year-old's burgeoning Old Trafford career while also linking him with transfers to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Speaking to MUTV on Friday, Sir Alex dismissed such wild speculation and backed the youngster to handle the situation: "It has been over the top. It's always over the top when it comes to criticism here.

"The boy has got to brush it aside. Thirty seconds from time, he was a revelation according to most people. He was fantastic and made some fantastic saves. I'm not interested in discussing the criticism now because it's unfounded."

The boss also addressed the situation during his weekly press conference at Carrington, outlining his plan to support De Gea whilst lamenting the pitfalls of being a goalkeeper.

“It is better we deal with David De Gea rather than the press deal with him. I think we are quite good at that. He had a fantastic game and was 30 seconds away from that. I remember talking about how well he played and then 30 seconds from time the ball park changes.

“It is unfortunate for the lad but he has to deal with it. We will help him. Outfield players maybe make 20 mistakes in a game. But they are in a crucial position. We are okay with him."

Regarding Tottenham’s dramatic leveller in North London, the boss also expressed his opinion that play should have been stopped for an offence on Rafael a few moments prior.

“I thought we should have had a foul in the build up to the goal,” Sir Alex explained. “Rafa was fouled going out to the touch line. Dempsey fouled him. The ball goes back to the full back and he bumps it into the box and it is a goal.”