Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has advised David de Gea to concentrate on his own form.

The Spanish keeper was signed as a replacement for Van der Sar last summer after the Dutchman opted to his end his career following six years at Old Trafford.

Despite the comparisons, Van der Sar believes that it is important for De Gea to be United's number one in his own right.

"Maybe it was hard to follow in my footsteps," said Van der Sar. "It can happen. People got compared to Peter Schmeichel, now maybe it's me.

"De Gea has to ignore that and just play his own game."

De Gea made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils last season.