Former Red Devils keeper Bailey backs De Gea as world’s best

He may have been on the receiving end of four goals at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but David de Gea takes his place among the world’s best keepers according to former Manchester United No.1 Gary Bailey.

De Gea was beaten within 30 seconds as Pedro got Chelsea off to a rocketing start in the capital, part of a defensive mix-up which saw both the Spaniard and Chris Smalling hesitate in coming for the ball.

The 25-year-old was to be beaten a further three times across the afternoon, as United went three games without a Premier League win.

But Bailey, speaking before the thrashing for Jose Mourinho’s side, reckons de Gea has every right to consider himself up there with the world’s elite.

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“David still amazes me. I was the same age when I was in the team and I felt the need to shout and scream, and try to control people around me,” said Bailey, an FA Cup winner with United in 1983 and 1985.

“He’s just so relaxed – he doesn’t get uptight, things go in, he looks at one or two players and then gets on with the game.

“He’s got a fantastic temperament and is a wonderful keeper, who makes saves when he needs to.
“Alongside Manuel Neuer and Gianluigi Buffon, he has got to be up there with the best in the world.”