Edwin van der Sar: David de Gea was integral to Manchester United's title success

De Gea continues to rise at Manchester United

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar has stated that David De Gea had a major part to play in last season’s Premier League triumph, Sky Sports reports.

The former Netherlands international acquired legendary status at Manchester United and won four league titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League before retiring in 2011.

De Gea was handed the difficult job of replacing Van Der Sar and he went on to become the world’s second most expensive goalkeeper after Gianluigi Buffon.

The Spaniard came under fire during his first season with the Red Devils but quickly redeemed himself next season, justifying Sir Alex Ferguson’s faith in him.

The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper found himself in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year and his predecessor has nothing but compliments for him.

“It is unbelievable,” said the 42-year-old. “He came from different league, he was young. He was 20 when he came.

“He came from Spain, he didn’t speak the language. There is different food, different tactics, different methods of training.

“Corners and free-kicks, balls in the box – that is different to the Spanish league. It was normal he could have some troubles in the beginning.

“I think the way he turned the corner from January onwards has been a real benefit for United and one of the two or three reasons they won the league.

“His physique is better. He worked really well with (former goalkeeping coach) Eric Steele and the physical coaches and that is the way you improve.

“He is still so young but already experienced. Hopefully he will get a chance in the national team also.”

The 22-year-old pulled off a stunning save in the match against Sunderland on Saturday which Manchester United went on to win 2-1.

The victory was just their third of the season and they currently sit ninth in the Premier League table.

Van Der Sar has full faith in new manager David Moyes and believes that he has what it takes to be a Manchester United boss.

“We have had so much success over the years with Ferguson and not even he won the league all the time,” he said, speaking at the Leaders in Football conference.

“There is a chance that he might not win in the first season or even the second season, but hopefully they have faith in what he can do.

“I know the directors and the owners are not panicking quickly, so I don’t see a problem.

“Of course they are realistic contenders because they have great players, a lot of experience.

“They have a lot of young players coming through as always because United are a team that give young players a chance.

“Maybe a little later than clubs like Ajax, but there is always a chance for the likes of Danny Welbeck, Jonny Evans, Rafael.”