David De Gea: I did almost walk out on Manchester United and go home

Goalkeeper initially struggled to settle in England

David De Gea celebrates Manchester United's win over Everton (GETTY IMAGES)

David de Gea has admitted he considered leaving Manchester United and returning to Spain as he struggled to settle in England.

The goalkeeper, whose string of fine saves enabled United to hang on to a 2-1 victory over Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday, joined the club in the summer of 2011 but came under regular criticism for his erratic displays.

However, Sunday was an important moment in the journey of improvement for the 23-year-old Spaniard, who has won two caps for his country, and he is beginning to feel comfortable in the United No 1 jersey. “It was probably one of my best performances for Manchester United. I was really happy about that,” De Gea said.

“Games like this help your confidence grow. I am happy in the team with all our young players. It is different playing behind this new defence. In the past we had experience in the back four. We have new players now and younger players but I think they are playing really well.

“I think I am playing the best football of my career. I have been here for three years and in the beginning it was difficult. Now I am ready for everything.

“That experience at the start has helped me be the player and man I am now. When you have bad moments you have to improve. You have to become stronger to deal with it and I believe I have become stronger. I am a much better goalkeeper now.”

When asked if he ever thought of going back to Spain, the former Atletico Madrid player said: “Sometimes. It was difficult when you get a lot of criticism, but I kept strong and I always tried to remain positive. I just worked through it. When you play for a big club like United it is normal when you don’t play well.

“Yes, I am glad it happened in some ways because the criticism makes you stronger. A goalkeeper does make mistakes, but you have to be strong in your mind.”