Sir Alex Ferguson is backing under-fire goalkeeper David De Gea to use his spectacular save against Chelsea as a catalyst for change.
Red Devils boss insists Spaniard has talent to defy critics
Sir Alex Ferguson is backing under-fire goalkeeper David De Gea to use his spectacular save against Chelsea as a catalyst for change.
De Gea has suffered a turbulent start to his Premier League career with the Spaniard dropped following a calamitous performance at Blackburn on New Year's Eve which saw him replaced by Anders Lindegaard.
The Spain U21 international then received heavy criticism for his display against Liverpool in the FA Cup, which saw United exit the tournament, before missing out against Stoke City through injury.
However, despite speculation that De Gea may be replaced by upcoming keeper Ben Amos for the clash with Chelsea, the 21-year-old recovered from the ankle injury and featured at Stamford Bridge.
Outstanding
And Ferguson hopes his £18million man can use his performance on Sunday as the turning point in his season after producing a magnificent save to deny Juan Mata's free kick as United came back from three down to draw 3-3 at Chelsea.
"I don't know if any other goalkeeper in the country would have saved that shot from Mata," he said.
"His speed and agility is outstanding. David knows he had a bad day against Liverpool in the cup. But goalkeepers can have those days.
"Last week's performance will help. He saved us a point. When you get a free-kick with the last kick of the game and your goalkeeper makes a save like that, you have to say it's a point saved."
De Gea is set to retain his place in Ferguson's starting line-up for Saturday's clash with rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
