Recently, David De Gea pushed Ronaldo to be United's Player of the Month of November. This is his first award since 2018, and after more than two years of downturn, "Daddy Duck" has made a strong comeback.
"I'm here to help the team," De Gea said, "and I'm trying to make a save at a critical moment." That's why I'm here at Manchester United, I want to help the team. At the moment, I'm doing well and helping the team, that's my job. Honestly, after the start of the season, I felt good, very confident and mentally strong. So, I'm very happy to win the award, thanks to the fans."
Before and after De Gea's award, Manchester United achieved three consecutive Premier League wins, the most recent 1-0 small victory over Norwich, the goal was C Ronaldo, but if it were not for De Gea's save, the Red Devils would have been able to retreat. "The last time I won an award was a long time ago," De Gea said, "and in some months, I feel like I'm doing well." But I'm very happy with my current form, including training and competition. Fans voted for you to think you were the best player of the month, and of course it was good. But as I said, I always do my best for the team and the club. I support the team in the back, 100% in every training session and every game."
The data shows that De Gea has made 53 saves in 16 rounds of the Premier League, averaging 3.3 saves per game, which is only 0.1 times less than the goalkeeper Tim Krul of the bottom team Norwich.
Another stat shows that De Gea is also the player with the most goals to save this season, averaging 0.41 goals per game, that is, the difference between expected goals conceded minus real goals conceded, ahead of Wolves' José Sa, the top Premier League goalkeeper.
In other words, on average, every 90 minutes, De Gea can save 0.41 must-scores. The Difference in Red Devils' defense, as well as de Gea's value of existence, are reflected.
"I've been with the club for a long time," said De Gea, who has been transferring to Manchester United for 10 years, "and hopefully I'll play more years, win more titles and have more fond memories." So, what can I say? I'm incredibly proud of what I've done at the club and being able to play with the Manchester United emblem. That's remarkable."
De Gea, 31, has said he has returned to his peak form and hopes to end up like his predecessor, Van der Sar. "I feel like I'm at the best of my career, it feels great. Maybe some people think I'm old because I've been in football for many years, but as a goalkeeper, I'm still young. I'm still learning every day, I'm training 100% seriously, so like I said, I hope to play for Manchester United for many years and play a lot of games."
De Gea has surpassed United's fantastic captain Brian Robson in appearances, with only 16 players in history playing more than his 462. The next goal for the Spanish international to surpass is the previous team's manager Carrick. In addition, De Gea's 200 clean sheets are also Manchester United's record.
'To be able to surpass Robson, he's a legend for the club, so it shows that I've been at Manchester United for a long time and played a lot of games.' De Gea added, "I should be proud of that because it's not easy to play for Manchester United for as long as I did. But I want to keep going, play more games, I want to enjoy football more, win games and I want United to get back to the top."
Another change in De Gea this season has been the courage to give an interview when the team is not doing well, "Yes, I have had good moments at Manchester United and bad times." De Gea explained, "You have to be brave, for better or worse, I'm one of the most experienced players in the team. In the face of difficulties, I feel like I have to stand up, show our unity, help the young people and make the team stronger."