De Gea Has Broad Ambitions

Inside United's in-depth interview with David De Gea shed's light on his transformation from Reds rookie to undisputed United no.1. In this extract, he talks up United's trophy chances and casts a hopeful eye towards the World Cup in Brazil next summer...

What are the team's aims - is winning the Premier League top of the agenda?
Absolutely. You always want to win the league. But United is a club that has to win trophies, so we're not only aiming to win the league - we also want to win the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. Every competition we enter we try to win.

Which other teams do you think will challenge for the title?
That's a tough question. This season there are so many teams playing well and I think a number of clubs can challenge. We obviously hope we'll be right up there but you also have to look at Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City... all the usual suspects.

Arsenal have set the pace so far. How impressed have you been with their form?
They've been very good - there's no denying that. I think Mesut Ozil has made a big difference to them. Everybody can see what a good player he is. It's still early, though, and there's a long way to go in the season. Obviously Arsenal started well but there are many games still to play and nobody is panicking here. This club has been in similar situations before and turned things around to win the league. There's no reason that can't happen again.

People seem to forget United weren't cruising at the start of last season. We were conceding and having to come from behind to win. Then, around Christmas, the defence tightened up. Same again this year?
It's always difficult at the start of a season because the team is adapting to new players and, in the case of this season, a new manager and new coaches. It always takes time before you can play your best football. I think we're seeing signs at the moment that we're getting there, so I'm confident that come Christmas we'll be very solid and, from a personal point of view, hopefully not conceding many goals!

Finally, turning your thoughts to international football, is the World Cup in your sights for the end of the season?
Every player wants to play for his national team and doubly so when the World Cup comes around. I believe I'm playing well at the moment and I certainly hope I can be there in Brazil with the Spain team. For now, all I can do is concentrate on playing well for United.