Manchester United news: Ashley Young jumps to David de Gea’s defence - ‘He’s the best goalkeeper in the world’

De Gea’s error in letting in Manchester City’s second goal in Wednesday’s derby defeat has led to a fresh wave of criticism for the United goalkeeper

Ashley Young has leapt to the defence of under-fire Manchester United teammate David de Gea after the goalkeeper was heavily criticised following Wednesday night’s derby defeat against Manchester City.

De Gea has not been in the best form this season, with his struggles stemming from the doomed World Cup campaign with Spain last summer that has continued into his 2018/19 campaign.

His high-profile mistake to let Lionel Messi’s second goal in during United’s Champions League elimination restarted the debate surrounding the Spaniard’s form, with his case not helped by letting Leroy Sane’s shot in at his near-post that secured City’s 2-0 victory in mid-week.

But despite the string of errors, Young believes De Gea remains the “best in the world” when it comes to marshalling the sticks.

“David is a world-class player. He's probably the best in the world for me,” Young told Sky Sports.

“When he lets a few goals in people are going to criticise him but for me it starts at the front, the midfield, defenders - if the ball doesn't get that far back the other team doesn't have a chance to score.

“It's not just him that should be criticised, it's the whole team. He's a confident person who will be ready for the challenge on Sunday.”

United’s defeat against their title-chasing rivals means that they have lost seven of their last nine matches under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, which has seen his appointment come under the microscope with many arguing that the decision was made too soon.

Solskjaer insisted on Friday that he remains the right man for the United hot seat, and Young was keen to stress that the team are taking their fair share of criticism by sharing a few “home truths” in the dressing room.

Dde Gea's form has come under question after high-profile mistakes for United (AP)

“You've got to when things aren't going well,” he continued. “You can only imagine what's been said in that dressing room but that stays with us.

“I know what the strength is, the characters in the dressing room, the spirit in the team we've got here. I know everybody wants to win those games and finish the season in the top four.

Young has defended United teammate De Gea (Getty)

“There's going to be a lot of people turn round and say they know the club but when you're in it day in, day out, they're the ones that really do. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. But there's so many leaders in this team.”