“It’s great to have a proper squad” – David de Gea hails Erik ten Hag’s impact at Man United

David de Gea is very happy at Manchester United and has hailed Erik ten Hag’s impact at Old Trafford since he joined the club.

United’s shot-stopper is enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment. He’s kept four clean sheets in a row and has already equalled his Premier League clean sheet record from last season, with eight.

Ten Hag’s influence since arriving at the Theatre of Dreams has been publically appreciated by a number of players so far this season. There have been three who have turned around their careers at the club under the Dutchman.

De Gea has needed to adjust his ball-playing game in the new system but is still showing his preferred qualities. One save against Fulham was nominated for the Save of the Month in the Premier League.

Speaking about his manager, De Gea said: “He’s doing well. He puts every player in the same direction and we feel like a proper team. Everyone wants to win, everyone wants to play for this club and that’s massive.

“He brought a great spirit to the team. We are playing really well and this is the way we have to show and keep the momentum as well.”

De Gea detailed how Ten Hag is always asking for more from his players. The manager’s favourite sentence in press conferences this term is that ‘good is not good enough’.

“He was happy with the clean sheet [against Bournemouth] but at the same time he was a bit angry because we conceded too many chances and we were too open at the end of the game, so he was a bit angry,” admitted De Gea.

“Everyone is training really well, they are ready to play. It’s great to have a proper squad.”

The Spaniard is closing in on a new deal with The Reds, taking a pay cut from his £375,000-a-week contract.

He added: “I’ve been here many, many years and it’s a huge honour to be here, I’m so happy here. I’m very relaxed [about the contract], just focused on performing as best as I can.”

Ten Hag is also planning to add Jack Butland to the squad as a back-up on a six-month loan from Crystal Palace after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle earlier this week.