David de Gea could prove Sir Alex Ferguson right to secure his Manchester United future

Sunday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at Old Trafford is set to mark a landmark occasion in David de Gea's Manchester United career.

The Spaniard, who has started every game for the Reds so far this season, will make his 500th appearance for the club against the Magpies. He joined United back in 2011, making the switch from Atletico Madrid as a raw 20-year-old.

He initially joined United on a five-year contract, becoming Edwin van der Sar's long-term successor. At the time, he was the second-most expensive goalkeeper of all-time, joining the Reds for £18.9million.

READ MORE: United predicted line-up vs Newcastle

On completing the signing of De Gea, who has so far won seven trophies during his Old Trafford career, former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Replacing Edwin van der Sar is very difficult; he was a great goalkeeper. But the benefit we have with De Gea is that he is only 20.

"The qualities that stood out for us are his great composure and use of the ball. He is quick and agile, which is something we banked on. When we assessed him I thought he was the right goalkeeper to take."

On reflection, more than a decade on, Ferguson could be questioned for specifically praising De Gea's use of the ball. While there has never been too many grave concerns about the Spaniard's shot-stopping abilities, his credentials with the ball at his feet have often come under fire.

The 31-year-old has often been criticised for not being good enough in possession and being too often glued to his line, opposed to being proactive with the ball and trying to kick-start attacks, just as so many goalkeepers, particularly at a high level, are expected to do nowadays. For instance, across the city, Manchester City