Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea believes that the criticism that he received during the early stages of his Old Trafford career has helped him improve as a player.

De Gea made several high-profile errors during his opening season with the club after moving from Atletico Madrid, but the Spaniard has insisted that it was "natural" for him to take time to adapt to English football.

The 23-year-old told Inside United: "I was very young and I had arrived at a new club from another country. I was learning a whole new language, I was adapting to a new style of football and new teammates.

"That's a lot to take in and it's natural that it will take a little bit of time to settle. It wasn't easy hearing this criticism but I tried to use it to motivate me and make me stronger.

"I think that I have improved as a goalkeeper because of it. I like to think that from bad things, you can derive good results."

De Gea has gone on to make 96 appearances at United, while also winning the Premier League title in his second season with the club.