De Gea Reveals Top Priority In 2018

Manchester United keeper David De Gea believes some rest will aid the Reds' cause with the team now enjoying a 10-day break between fixtures before facing Stoke City at Old Trafford on 15 January.

The Spain no.1 sat out the Emirates FA Cup tie with Derby County on Friday night and, although he would always rather play, he appreciates the need to rotate the squad, particularly during busy periods.

In an interview with MUTV, the 27-year-old also spelled out his first priority in 2018 - good health and remaining in top condition.

"It's a bit crazy with a lot of games at this time but we have to play and have to try to win," he said. "It's always a special time for everyone. They [my friends in Spain] think everyone is on holiday but we play [games] and this is England - this is the history of the Premier League.

"So it is good to have some rest to recover after so many games. It's good for the team and for the players to have some rest to relax, recover and train. Of course, as a player, I want to play every game in every competition. Of course, the FA Cup is a special trophy and I want to play every game but I know there are other players who want to play as well and have a chance to play.

"It's good to have a bigger squad with a lot of players so, when we have a lot of games, we can change the players and it's good to use the squad."

When asked about his objectives for the new calendar year, De Gea said: "My aims for 2018? Health is the most important thing for everyone and we want to win a trophy. We will try to play really well and fight for everything including the Champions League and the FA Cup. And the World Cup, of course!"