Manchester United keeper David de Gea has told of the importance of Sir Alex Ferguson's role in persuading him to move to Old Trafford.

Following a shaky start in the Premier League, the Spaniard has now established himself as one of United's most important performers since the departure of Ferguson in 2013.

"You start to know about the interest by the press but you don't believe at all. However, there is a day when the club makes it official and you realise it's true. That it is real," said the 24-year-old, according to the International Business Times.

"Ferguson called me. It was him. He really wanted me, he wanted me to become the Manchester United goalkeeper.

"He was one of the best coaches. He is one of the best managers in the whole history and that such a big manager wanted me was the maximum for me."

United currently occupy third position in the league table under new boss Louis van Gaal.