The Scot believes the 21-year-old has finally settled in England and also praised the resilience of Blackburn boss Steve Kean ahead of Monday night's clash at Ewood Park
Sir Alex Ferguson believes David de Gea is now playing with confidence after mistakes overshadowed the start of the Spaniard's career at Manchester United.
The €21.6 million summer signing from Atletico Madrid struggled to impose himself at Old Trafford following his arrival, however, with six consecutive wins in the Premier League, the last three also including clean sheets, Ferguson now feels the 21-year-old has finally adapted to life at the club.
"He got a grip of the situation," Sir Alex told reporters. "He did not let the mistakes get to him and now he is playing with confidence which is a great factor for any goalkeeper.
“The area where he has been criticised has been in dealing with aerial balls into the box. That last corner kick Blackburn had at Old Trafford [to allow Grant Hanley to score the winner], he should have dealt with that better.
“He knew that at the time and it is a situation he has addressed.”
Ferguson admitted De Gea faced a 'challenge' to adapt to the Premier League but insists the club were always aware of his strengths.
"He stood up to the situation; he knew it was a challenge. It took him time to adjust to the different ways of the English game and it showed," said Ferguson.
“But the other night, he produced one or two terrific punches when Fulham put the ball in the box at the start of the second half. We knew he had the ability and this is what we have seen."
A win against Blackburn Rovers on Monday night will send United five points clear of Manchester City in the title race.
Ferguson reserved kind words for his opposite number Steve Kean ahead of the game, noting his own resilience in the face of criticism after leading Blackburn to five wins and three draws in their past 13 league matches as they look to avoid relegation.
"He [Kean] has held his dignity very, very well," Sir Alex added.
"He deserves 100 per cent praise from everyone, including from a lot of his own supporters, who I am sure are saying 'I wish I hadn't done that', because he has certainly shown his mettle."
Sir Alex Ferguson believes David de Gea is now playing with confidence after mistakes overshadowed the start of the Spaniard's career at Manchester United.
The €21.6 million summer signing from Atletico Madrid struggled to impose himself at Old Trafford following his arrival, however, with six consecutive wins in the Premier League, the last three also including clean sheets, Ferguson now feels the 21-year-old has finally adapted to life at the club.
"He got a grip of the situation," Sir Alex told reporters. "He did not let the mistakes get to him and now he is playing with confidence which is a great factor for any goalkeeper.
“The area where he has been criticised has been in dealing with aerial balls into the box. That last corner kick Blackburn had at Old Trafford [to allow Grant Hanley to score the winner], he should have dealt with that better.
“He knew that at the time and it is a situation he has addressed.”
Ferguson admitted De Gea faced a 'challenge' to adapt to the Premier League but insists the club were always aware of his strengths.
"He stood up to the situation; he knew it was a challenge. It took him time to adjust to the different ways of the English game and it showed," said Ferguson.
“But the other night, he produced one or two terrific punches when Fulham put the ball in the box at the start of the second half. We knew he had the ability and this is what we have seen."
A win against Blackburn Rovers on Monday night will send United five points clear of Manchester City in the title race.
Ferguson reserved kind words for his opposite number Steve Kean ahead of the game, noting his own resilience in the face of criticism after leading Blackburn to five wins and three draws in their past 13 league matches as they look to avoid relegation.
"He [Kean] has held his dignity very, very well," Sir Alex added.
"He deserves 100 per cent praise from everyone, including from a lot of his own supporters, who I am sure are saying 'I wish I hadn't done that', because he has certainly shown his mettle."
