Thursday 17 December 2015 15:53, UK
David de Gea says Manchester United's dressing room is "united", despite a run of five matches without a win.
And he says club captain Wayne Rooney is still having a positive influence on the team, even though he has been sidelined with an injury.
United have endured a disappointing couple of weeks, crashing out of the Champions League following defeat at Wolfsburg and falling six points off the pace in the Premier League title race after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth.
Manager Louis van Gaal has come in for criticism from fans and pundits, and it has been suggested that even the players are beginning to question his methods, leading to a tense dressing room.
But De Gea said: "There's a great atmosphere. The dressing room is very together and united.
"They are a great set of lads and we're all very happy with the group of players that we have. I think that's really important in a team if it wants to achieve big things."
Rooney has had to sit out the last three games due to an ankle injury but he remains a key figure in the dressing room according to De Gea.
"As our captain, Wayne has a big personality," said the 'keeper. "He always tries to motivate us. When things are going badly, it's always him who speaks up and encourages us.
"He's breaking all kinds of records for goals scored and games played and I reckon he deserves it as he is such a great player.
"And he's the same off the field. He's the club captain and he's the one who has to do the talking and motivate us. That's what he always does."
United are at home to 18th-placed Norwich on Saturday and De Gea says they are determined to remain in the Premier League title race.
"This league is very tough to win and there will be a number of teams who will be in the shake-up for the title," he said.
"That's what we all want, to stay up near the top, and to get to April and be in a position where we can win the league.
"That's what we're going to try to make happen."
