Old Trafford veteran Gary Bailey has stated that Manchester United’s current number-one David de Gea continues to impress him.

In an interview with Inside United, Bailey spoke about the positive impact goalkeeper David de Gea has made at the club, hailing him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

“De Gea and Courtois are right up there with the top five in the world right now. No question,” said the former Red Devil.

“David still amazes me. I was the same age when I was in the team and I felt the need to shout and scream, and try to control people around me. He’s just so relaxed – he doesn’t get uptight, things go in, he looks at one or two players and then gets on with the game,” he added.

The Spanish shot-stopper moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2011, when the then United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was in the hunt for a long-term heir to the retiring Edwin van der Sar. The Dutchman was a vital part of  Fergie’s plans and won a number of titles for the club – including the 2008 UEFA Champions League.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: David De Gea of Manchester United saves from Emre Can of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 17, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: David De Gea of Manchester United saves from Emre Can of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 17, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo Courtesy: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

It was not going to be an easy task to fit right into the shoes of van der Sar and de Gea rightly struggled in his initial games in the Premier League. He looked a tad shaky, did not seem to possess the confidence, and was also hapless in possession.

But, five years on, the Spaniard has become one of the, if not the best player in the United squad. He can be one of the few members in the dressing room that can be regarded has world-class, and at the relatively nascent age of 24, even the sky may not be the limit for the prolific shot-stopper.

De Gea is a rare phenomenon and has already created history at Old Trafford as he was named Manchester United’s Player of the Year in each of the past three seasons.

His performances last season were second to none and was rightly named in the PFA Team of the Year. He almost matched Petr Cech’s 15 shutouts for the Golden Glove, but a catastrophic Chris Smalling own goal saw the Czech legend claim the honour.

De Gea has made a flying start to this season as well and his most noteworthy contribution came in the game against Liverpool where he pulled off absolute crackers to deny Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho from snatching a winner on Monday night.

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