Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has praised the mental attitude of young Reds stopper David de Gea.

The Spanish goalkeeper was criticised during his first season with the club, but has been much-improved in the new campaign.

"I admire David. I cannot remember anyone coming into Manchester United and being criticised the way he was. He was ridiculed every day," Schmeichel told reporters.

"He was the subject of every debate in the media. Yet, he still went out there with a smile on his face and managed to dig himself out of it."

De Gea has recently been on the sidelines after having a wisdom tooth removed.