De Gea has finally earnt his Spurs at United after jittery start to Old Trafford career

It’s just as well, given the amount of defensive shuffling David Moyes has been forced into this season, that his No 1, David de Gea, is finally looking like a proper Manchester United goalkeeper.

De Gea returns to White Hart Lane on Sunday for his 100th United appearance totally different from the jittery keeper whose poor punch allowed Clint Dempsey to score a late equaliser in the corresponding fixture last season.

Moyes has used seven combinations in the centre of defence this season, rotating Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling according to injury and form.
While that would have bothered 23-year-old De Gea at one stage, it doesn’t any more.

Cementing his place: Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has been in superb form and has made the No 1 spot his own

Last time out: Clint Dempsey celebrates scoring an equaliser for Spurs after De Gea's weak punch at White Hart Lane last season

Defensive conference: United's Jonny Evans has words with De Gea during the match at Cardiff

‘It doesn’t matter who plays in front of me,’ he said. ‘In our team there are a lot of players who can play in different positions. And I’m very happy with the defence we have.
‘My own form is good and I’m happy. I am at a very good level and the team are also playing very well. We gave our best performance of the season in Leverkusen and showed we are playing well.
‘I’ve always been able to train with a positive mentality and that has allowed me to push forward. I know how to train properly.

Hitting out: Manchester City's Vincent Kompany, right, gets a punch in the face after challenging De Gea from a corner earlier this season

‘I am very happy at United and want to be here for many years. Yes, I miss the weather and the climate of Spain. It’s different in England but you can still live well.’
De Gea’s quality — he surely has the best reactions of any keeper in the league — is not unnoticed by his team-mates and manager, who also appreciate the improvement after a rocky start to his career in England.
Last year, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted having to drop him after a costly mistake against Fulham.

Happy with progress: United boss David Moyes is pleased with De Gea's form

Sir Alex signed De Gea from Atletico Madrid in 2011 to replace Edwin van der Sar and Moyes admits it was something of a gamble that is only now starting to pay rewards.
‘I always thought that if you put in a young keeper you always run the risk of him making mistakes,’ he said.

‘The only thing is he is going to get better and better because at his young age he has come through a lot of things.
‘Overall he has grown in stature. He’s got bigger, he’s confident and has played really well.’