De Gea Wants To Be World's Best Keeper

As well as achieving collective success with Manchester United, David De Gea admits it is his “ultimate aim” to be known as the best goalkeeper in world football.

The Reds no.1 has flourished at Old Trafford in recent years and wowed supporters around the world with his consistently exceptional performances between the sticks, which helped him to win the club’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in both 2013/14 and 2014/15.

De Gea was also named in the PFA Team of the Year last campaign and that arguably confirmed he is the Barclays Premier League's best goalkeeper, but who is the best in the world? Many pundits cannot separate De Gea and Bayern Munich goliath Manuel Neuer, the physically imposing stopper who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and continually dominates his area at the Allianz Arena.

While that debate will probably rumble on for years to come – just like fans still compare Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – De Gea will chase his dream by impressing for his club. During an exclusive interview with United Review, the official matchday programme at Old Trafford, the 25-year-old Spain international is asked whether it is his lifetime aim to be known as the world’s best.

“Well, yes, I guess that's the ultimate aim,” David says. “I try to train and I try to play in games and to do the best I possibly can in order to attain that level and to be able to make it. Of course, getting to be number one keeper in the world is a tough ask because there are loads of goalkeepers out there and some very good ones, too. But I always try to give my very best to reach that standard.”

United welcome Swansea City to the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday afternoon and, although the Swans are still without a manager following the sacking of Garry Monk, De Gea expects a difficult challenge based on the fact that the Reds have lost three consecutive matches against the Welsh outfit, all 2-1.

“They are a good side,” he adds. “They are the sort of team that likes to play football and enjoy possession of the ball. It's true that last season they made life difficult for us and we lost both games against them.

"I know we haven't done so well against them in the recent past, but it's a new year and so we'll obviously be giving it everything at Old Trafford in front of our own fans in order to secure the win.”