James: De Gea Can Aid United Title Challenge

Former Liverpool and England goalkeeper David James believes Manchester United are serious contenders to win the title this season, thanks in part to David De Gea's stay at the club.

James, who was back at Old Trafford on Saturday to take part in the UNICEF 'Match for Children', is a long-term admirer of De Gea and his deputy at United, summer signing Sergio Romero.

"I think David is a wonderful goalkeeper," James told ManUtd.com. "United needed him to stay at the club in order to challenge for the title and he has kept five or six clean sheets already in the league this season.

"I was a big admirer of him when he was at Atletico. He got unwarranted criticism for his strength in the air at first but he’s sorted that out himself and he looks confident and composed. He also has 10 players in front of him who are very capable, so it puts United in a good position.

"And I think Sergio Romero is a great goalkeeper. The signing went under the radar a little but I like him and I think the goalkeeper position at United is strong. I just hope Liverpool fans aren’t reading this!"