De Gea: First Goal Could Be Crucial

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has emphasised the importance of scoring the first goal when the Reds host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho’s men go into the crunch Premier League clash on the back of a fine 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Swansea City on Tuesday night, in which Jesse Lingard netted twice.

De Gea was rested for that game but he has been in exemplary form between the sticks this term, keeping 11 clean sheets in 15 games for club and country.

However, despite his brilliance at keeping the Reds' opponents at bay, the Spaniard admits striking first at the other end on Saturday could be even more significant than usual.

“The first goal will be hugely important,” said De Gea, in an exclusive interview for United Review, the official match programme.

“Get the first goal and then try to dominate the game, keep hold of the ball and have plenty of possession – that will be very important.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a very even game, a tough game where things will be tight,” he added.

“But we are at home in front of our own fans and we can’t afford any more slip-ups, we need to get the win to keep ourselves right up there near the top.

"Beating Spurs at Old Trafford would be a great way to start out on another run of [league] victories. Let’s hope that we can manage to do it."

Tottenham have only conceded two more goals than United in the Premier League and De Gea admits he's an admirer of his opposite number, France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

“Of course [Lloris] is a great keeper, he has many years of experience with his national side and with Tottenham," said the Reds' no.1. "He’s very quick and very agile and comes off his line well. He's a great keeper all round.”