• Premier League

I can surpass Van der Sar - De Gea

David de Gea's mistake handed Blackburn the points at Old Trafford © Getty Images

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Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea says he will learn from his mistakes - but they are bound to creep into his game as he grows into the style of the English game.

De Gea, 21, was signed from Atletico Madrid in the summer and initially came in for much criticism for his early displays. He appeared to have put that behind him but an error against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, when he came out and failed to claim the ball, cost United the game.

There is now the suggestion that Anders Lindegaard will play against Newcastle United on Wednesday. United also have Tomasz Kuszczak in their squad.

De Gea told Inside United magazine: "Let's face it, all goalkeepers make mistakes once in a while, and none of us like it when we do. But I knew at that time that I had to be confident in my team-mates. Errors happen but I've gone on to be more confident in myself.

"I think it's fair to say La Liga and the Premier League are the two best leagues in the world and in that sense they're very similar. But it's well known that the style of play here is rather more physical and as a goalkeeper you've got to be right on it, you've got to be attentive all through the match.

"The players coming at you can shoot from any angle and they can shoot from distance - you need to be aware that you might get a shot from distance at any time. Having said that, there's also a lot of crosses from the sides, a lot of high balls and aerial play. So you've got to be able to get in there and block, interfere and stop shots being taken.

"I knew when I was coming to United that this was the style of play I was coming into, so I was pretty much ready and I was already confident when I came. I knew I'd need to train a lot, which I do. I concentrate a lot on blocking shots.

"As a goalkeeper I try to improve in all areas of my game, all aspects. It's varied and I want to do my best across the board. Hopefully, I will equal or even surpass the performance and contribution [Edwin van der Sar] made to the club."

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