Van der Sar pleased with De Gea progress

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has heaped praise on the club’s current number one, David de Gea.

De Gea joined the Old Trafford outfit for an approximate fee of 17 million pounds from Spanish club Atletico Madrid last June.

Early mistakes against Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion saw the shot-stopper come in for plenty of criticism.

But de Gea has responded and his efforts in goal have regularly saved Manchester United points in the Premier League, in which they sit in second place on goal difference with one game to play.

“It was a big (move) coming from La Liga to play in England in Barclays Premier League,” van der Sar said.

“It’s a completely different situation.

“There is much more high pressure, high balls, throw ins, you don’t get fouls that easily, you really have to be fouled quite obvious before you get a free kick – in Spain it’s a little bit easier.

“I think he he handled himself quite well (and) I think he (has) got a good coach in Eric Steele (Manchester United goalkeeping coach).

“He (has) made giant steps this year.”