Manchester United players ‘had doubts’ about David de Gea when he first joined, reveals Rio Ferdinand

After starring in United's 0-0 draw with Sevilla in the Champions League, there can be no doubts about De Gea's worth to the club - but that wasn't always the case

David de Gea has proven himself as one of Manchester United's best players - but that wasn't always the case (Getty)

Manchester United had David de Gea to thank for leaving Seville with their Champions League tie in the balance after he produced a number of eye-catching saves to keep the scores locked at 0-0, but there was a time when the rest of his squad were not so confident in the goalkeeper’s ability.

Former United captain Rio Ferdinand revealed those concerns after watching De Gea’s masterclass on Wednesday night, with Jose Mourinho’s side returning to Old Trafford knowing that a victory will take them through to quarter-finals, after De Gea kept Sevilla at bay.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 to replace the retiring Edwin van der Sar, initially struggled to adapt to the Premier League and the extra attention that was on him as United’s No 1, and Ferdinand revealed that his shaky performances did not instil faith in his teammates at the time.

“When he first came [to United], even as players we were sitting there as players with doubts,” Ferdinand said on BT Sport.

“A young kid just come through the doors at United, we need to win every year, how are we going to do that with a young kid, inexperienced, who looks like he’s lacking confidence?.

“To be fair, Steeley [United’s ex-goalkeeper coach Eric Steele] who brought him in, believed in him and the gaffer [Sir Alex Ferguson] followed that through, and look where he is today, that’s a sign of someone who’s worked hard to get where he needs to get.”

De Gea is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and his performances over the last three seasons have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid coming within minutes of signing him in the 2015 summer transfer window. Real are now considering their options in the transfer market once again, but as The Independent reported this month, they are leaning towards a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois rather than De Gea this summer in a bid to replace current first choice Keylor Navas.