'World-class' De Gea Praised

Robin van Persie's goals may have grabbed the headlines in Wednesday's Champions League victory over Olympiacos, but Phil Jones believes the label of match-winner should go to David De Gea.

Sandwiched between two of van Persie's three goals was an incredible double save from United's no.1. After blocking David Fuster's powerful header, De Gea recovered immediately and, at full-stretch, prevented Alejandro Dominguez's follow-up shot creeping inside the post.

Jones praised van Persie and De Gea after the 3-2 aggregate win that booked United's spot in the quarter-finals, but reserved special words for the man between the posts.

"He's world-class," Jones told ManUtd.com and BBC Radio. "He's up there with the best goalkeepers in the world. He can produce saves like that at critical moments in a match even when he's not really had much to do. He's alive to everything and won us the game."

De Gea was named Man of the Match by fans on United's official Twitter feed @ManUtd and was delighted with his performance and thankful for the support of the fans both at Old Trafford and beyond.

"The atmosphere inside the stadium was very impressive. It was a very important win for us that will boost our confidence," he told us. "I was very pleased with all the saves and happy I was able to help the team. I'd like to thank the fans for their support and for always being there. They are amazing."