De Gea: Mistakes part of the game

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has no intention of letting his mistakes bother him.

The Spain Under-21 star has endured a troubled start to his United career following an £18million summer move from Atletico Madrid, and has been criticised after his failure to collect Morten Gamst Pedersen's corner led to a surprise winner for Blackburn at Old Traffordon New Year's Eve.

But De Gea insists it is part of a goalkeeper's lot to receive criticism when any kind of mistake is made, and told Inside United: "Let's face it, all keepers make mistakes once in a while and none of us like it when we do."

He added: "It's well known that the style of play here is rather more physical and as a goalkeeper you've got to be right on it. You've got to be attentive all through the match.

"The players coming at you can shoot from any angle, and they can shoot from distance. There's also a lot of crosses from the sides, a lot of high balls and aerial play.

"So, you've got to get in there and block and stop shots being taken."

Despite the shaky start to his Old Trafford career, De Gea revealed his long-term plan remains to stay at the club for many years.

"I have every intention of spending many years here at Manchester United," he said.

"I want to become a great United keeper and I want to earn and deserve the respect I hope to get.

"I want to help United make history."