Erik ten Hag explains why he backed David de Gea at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has hailed David de Gea for bringing experience and leadership to the Manchester United side this season.

The United manager backed De Gea to be his first-choice goalkeeper in the summer and allowed back-up Dean Henderson to move to Nottingham Forest on loan.

United reinforced their options with the loan addition of Martin Dubravka on deadline day, while Tom Heaton remains at the club as the third-choice shot-stopper.

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De Gea experienced a difficult start to the campaign, specifically in a horror show at Brentford, but has been much improved in the last few matches and it is clear he will keep his place in goal for as long as he is fit this season.

Ten Hag made a bold call to back the Spaniard when he arrived at the club, and he has explained why the 31-year-old is still so important to the side.

"That is clear - his experience helps us a lot," the United manager told club media. "He organises and he leads the back four. It's really important to give the team the right mentality and the attitude to win games."

De Gea will start when United face FC Sheriff in the Europa League on Thursday night and Ten Hag has warned his side against complacency ahead of the match.

He added: "They beat Real Madrid, and beat Shakhtar Donetsk but, also, we know what we are capable of. We beat the number one team from last season in Liverpool and beat the current number one in the league [in Arsenal] so it's up to us. If we perform, we will get the right result."

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