Man United goalkeeper De Gea blasts ‘stupid’ criticism

Manchester United Spanish shot-stopper David De Gea [Courtesy]

David De Gea insists he blanked out the criticism that came his way after the World Cup.

The Manchester United stopper endured a difficult tournament in Russia and made a series of uncharacteristic mistakes as Spain were knocked out in the last 16.

He has been back to his best since returning to Old Trafford, particularly in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Watford.

As United arrived in Switzerland for their opening Champions League group game against Young Boys of Bern, he said: “Normally I never listen to the people who speak about me. I never listen to the stupid things they say.

David De Gea insists he blanked out the criticism that came his way after the World Cup [Courtesy]

“Normally I focus on my job and focus on trying to help my team and trying to improve every training session and try to be as a good as I can.”

De Gea – coveted by Real Madrid until they signed Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea - gave a non-commital answer when asked about whether he will pledge his long-term future to United who have opened talks over a new contract.

His current deal has a year to run but United have an option to extend that by another season and De Gea – the club’s player of the year or four of the past five seasons – insists he remains happy at Old Trafford.

“I feel really loved by the fans and all the people who work for this club,” he added. “I am really happy to play for this club, one of best clubs in world, so for me it's really good to be part of this club.”

United have made little impact in the Champions League since De Gea joined them in 2011 – their best effort was to reach the last eight under David Moyes in 2013-14.

But he says Jose Mourinho’s team are determined to make amends in what has been described as the most open competition in recent years.

“Yes, of course, we want to improve in the Champions League,” he said. “It's such a special competition. It's a long time for Manchester United not to win this cup so we are ready to do it.

“We are in a difficult group, starting tomorrow with a difficult team. We want to start well, winning games and try to win the competition but we know it's always difficult to win.”

De Gea admits United will be at a disadvantage against Young Boys because of the artificial pitch at the Stade de Suisse.

“We are not used to playing on artificial grass so it's going to be a bit different and probably more difficult for us,” he said.

“But we have to train today to see how the balls work on this pitch and try to play our football here. We know it's going to be a tough game.”