• Premier League

De Gea enjoying added pressure at United

ESPN staff
November 28, 2012
David de Gea has come under pressure at Old Trafford © PA Photos
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Goalkeeper David de Gea has revealed that he is relishing the challenge of playing for Manchester United, even though there is 'added pressure' at such a big club.

De Gea has faced a battle for his place from Anders Lindegaard and has started seven of United's Premier League games so far this season, while the Denmark international has started six.

Indeed, the Spain star's performances have been scrutinised since his £17 million signing in 2011 but he claimed he is enjoying the added pressure of playing for United.

"I'm at a huge club and there are big demands on you," he told United Review. "As a goalkeeper I'm well aware that any mistake can be magnified by the press and the fans. That's always the case for goalkeepers, no matter where you play.

"But it's true that here at Manchester United there's added pressure. It's bigger than it was for me at Atletico Madrid and also for the Spain Under-21 team. It's a challenge that's enjoyable and it ensures you're always striving to operate at 100%."

Meanwhile, De Gea says he enjoys United's role as 'comeback kings' and believes their famed fighting spirit is "part of the heart and soul of the club".

Sir Alex Ferguson's team have conceded the first goal in 13 of their 20 games in all competitions and have won eight of those, claiming 18 Premier League points from losing positions.

"Certainly, when I was in Spain I'd heard about this aspect and seen for myself on TV the way the team always seemed to conjure up a late goal to either draw or win matches," De Gea added. "So it's great to be a part of it myself.

"I think dramatic comebacks are part of the heart and soul of this club and it's almost written in the history of Manchester United that these sorts of things happen so often. I love being a part of it and experiencing it for myself."

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