Charlton not concerned over De Gea

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton has leapt to the defence of the English Premier League champions’ new goalkeeper David De Gea.

The 21-year-old Spanish sensation cost the club over 17 million pounds following his move from Spanish club Atletico Madrid in June.

Earmarked as the successor to retired shot-stopper Edwin van der Sar, his first two appearances for United have instead been marred with mistakes.

But despite his blunder that allowed West Brom to equalise in the side’s season opener on Sunday, United favourite Charlton said De Gea needed time to adjust to life in the Premier League and in England.

“He’s a great goalkeeper and we knew about that when he was coming. We’ve got a lad in who’s arrived at a strange city, in strange country where they don’t speak the same language, they are completely different,” Charlton said.

“They are more passionate about football than any, even Spain. But Alex will work his magic and the staff will work their magic and he will be one of the great players by the end of this season – definitely.”

De Gea, a prodigious young talent but nonetheless Spain’s fourth-choice keeper, was part of United’s off-season spending spree that also saw Villa winger Ashley Young and Blackburn defender Phil Jones join the club.