David de Gea's comments show how Manchester United can improve their defence

Manchester United return to Champions League action this week, with Atletico Madrid scheduled to host the Red Devils on Wednesday night.

Ahead of the high-profile bout, David de Gea spoke to UEFA about his Madrid past, his emergence as a youth prospect and his playing style as a goalkeeper.

When speaking about the latter, the Spaniard talked about United's desire to press high up the field and how such an approach influences his responsibilities as a keeper.

"We try to play with a high line," he said. "If the pressing is not good enough, you can have problems at the back. But for the goalkeeper, you need to be off your line, looking out for any potential pass in behind to be able to help your defence."

Although the 31 year-old is correct, his words seem to conflict with his own behaviour between the sticks for Ralf Rangnick. In fact, De Gea appears more inclined than most of his peers to remain on his line rather than sweeping up behind his defenders.

The underlying numbers of the current campaign can be applied in order to capture De Gea's tendency to remain close to goal.

In terms of defensive actions outside of the penalty box per 90, De Gea places second from bottom against every other goalkeeper who has started at least 11 matches in the Premier League this season.

Only Alex McCarthy of Southampton places lower than De Gea, with Nick Pope, Alisson Becker and David Raya assuming the top three positions.

The story is largely similar when it comes to the average distance from goal - in yards - of all defensive actions. De Gea places 17th from a possible 22 goalkeepers, with Pope, Alisson and Ederson placing first, second and third in the table.

Despite his comments to UEFA, the United no.1 seems to prefer remaining