Champions League: Alex Ferguson defends 'wobbling' David De Gea

Manchester United goalkeeper has come in for criticism since moving to Old Trafford

David de Gea is taking baby steps to becoming a top-class Manchester United keeper, according to manger Sir Alex Ferguson.

Now nearing the end of his second season at Old Trafford, many observers believe it will be his last.

The summer arrival of Jack Butland at Stoke suggests Asmir Begovic will be on the move, with United long since being viewed as a likely destination.

That would free up De Gea for a return to Spain, ending the difficulties he has endured in the Premier League, with even former United defender Gary Neville turning against the 22-year-old following his blunder at Tottenham last month.

Yet, with Anders Lindegaard also looking shaky, Ferguson has opted to stand by De Gea.

And as he sat alongside the former Atletico Madrid man last night, it was clear Ferguson felt a sense of responsibility for De Gea's development.

"David has shown his character because he has taken a lot of criticism, sometimes unfairly," said Ferguson.

"What we are good at is developing people.

"He came to us as a very young man, not used to the English game and unable to speak the language.

"Also he was still to mature physically.

"But it's like a young kid taking his first steps forward, he wobbles, then gets up, wobbles, then gets up again and eventually he walks.

"The boy is walking now."

De Gea insists he has improved since an £18million arrival from Atletico Madrid.

"Of course when you arrive at a new club it is normal there will be low points," he said.

"The important thing is to learn from them and improve.

"I know I am much better than when I first arrived at Manchester United."

And whilst United arrived in Madrid with a full squad, with the exceptions of Paul Scholes, who is yet to fully recover from a knee problem, and Darren Fletcher, whose season is already over, De Gea was well placed to assess the damage caused to Real by Iker Casillas' hand injury.

"Every time Iker Casillas is not there he is a great loss," said De Gea.

"He is the captain of Real Madrid and Spain.

"They have two other keepers who can do it as well as he does. But it is still a great loss."

PA