De Gea earns Fergie´s support

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes the media have an ‘agenda’ against goalkeeper David de Gea.

Doubts have surfaced about de Gea as first-choice shot-stopper after Anders Lindegaard’s assured display in United’s 1-1 draw with Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday.

But Ferguson defended the Spaniard and hit out at the media’s treatment of the 20-year-old.

“There’s obviously an agenda on de Gea. We’ve experienced that in the press for some reason. They seem desperate for the boy to fail,” he told reporters.

“That’s the impression I get and I don’t understand it. It’s nothing to do with his age. They never did that with Petr Cech.”

“I think they will all want interviews with him when he’s doing well. He doesn’t speak English, was looking for a house but has got one now, and is learning to drive in England.”

“He’s 20 years of age and doesn’t know the culture of the country. I think that’s a lot to deal with but he’s shown great composure about the whole thing. He’s not got himself flapping about the goalmouth.”

“I think he’s absolutely outstanding – the boy is tremendous.”

Ferguson also praised Lindegaard for his display in Portugal, and outlined his goalkeeping selection policy.

“Anders has done well in the sense that he’s bided his time. He’s been patient and understands the situation,” the Scot said.

“When we signed him, he knew we were going to sign another keeper. Last January, that was put to him at the time that he would come in next season in a position where he had to challenge for a place.”

“He was happy with that and delighted to join United. He showed he’s a bloody good keeper and a good thing about the two of them is their use of the ball is terrific.”

Manchester United face Chelsea in the English Premier League on Sunday, with de Gea expected to regain his spot in the starting line-up.