Andy Cole believes Manchester United would be a mid-table side if it wasn't for David de Gea's sensational form.
The Red Devils are next in action when they travel to Leeds United this weekend and Ralf Rangnick's side will be looking to cement their place in the Champions League places.
A 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek moved United back above West Ham United and into the top-four ahead of their trip to Elland Road on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Leeds are searching for their first win since before the winter break after drawing 3-3 at Aston Villa and comfortably losing 3-0 against Everton.
However, this is the first meeting between the two sides in front of a crowd at Elland Road in 18 years and the Whites faithful will no doubt be up for the task of defeating their arch rivals.
It has been the Red Devils' finest season to date and Cole has admitted that they wouldn't be nowhere near where they are if it wasn't for De Gea, who has made the most saves in the Premier League this term.
"Without this guy's form, Manchester United are mid-table," the 1999 treble-winner said of De Gea on Premier League Productions, per Metro.
"I don't think anyone can argue about that. His form this season has been unbelievable. That tells me Manchester United are nowhere near where they should be."
Having battled for the No.1 spot with Dean Henderson last season, De Gea has seemingly re-found his best form and has relished the competition for places at the club.
Although the Spaniard has kept just eight clean sheets this term, he has made a number of saves and been an outstander shot-stopper to keep his side in matches.
But Cole admits United's issues stretch beyond their leaky defence, also criticising the midfield and attack before reiterating De Gea's importance.
He added: "Defensively they are not where they should be at, midfield they are not where they should be at and up front, they are not scoring enough goals.
"Without that man (De Gea), I think they would be really struggling."
