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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Steven Railston

David de Gea confirms his Manchester United dressing room role with Erik ten Hag in charge

David de Gea has revealed he uses his experience to help younger players in Manchester United's dressing room.

De Gea has spent more than 11 years at Old Trafford and he was named United's Players' Player of the Year last season after starting in the maximum of the 38 Premier League games, in which he performed consistently between the sticks.

The Spaniard has remained as first-choice goalkeeper following Erik ten Hag's appointment and he's even started in every Europa League match this term, which wasn't expected after the signing of Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle.

ALSO READ: Diogo Dalot returns to Manchester United training ground early

De Gea is now a senior member of the squad and he recently discussed how his role at the club has changed over the years.

The 32-year-old said that he tries to help those who have might a problem, while he also looks to set an example.

"Now I'm open, I was very shy when I was young, I was super shy," De Gea told United's in-house media. "With the years you have to get more confident in yourself and talk with everyone. I've been here many years, so I'm one of the most experienced here.

"I try to help everyone, if someone has a problem, I'll be there and talk to them and just be an example. My feeling is, it's much easier now than 10 years ago because it's easier for younger people to come into the dressing room and talk to everyone.

"It's super simple, but 10 years ago, it was tough. There were people, very experienced people, older people, and it was difficult to connect with them and try to talk to them. It's easier now, but of course, it's still difficult for some [new signings].

"It can be a new league, new weather, everything can be new, but it's easier than before. I think football has changed a lot, so now it's easy to talk with everyone. For me, 10 years ago, it was tough [coming into the dressing room]."

De Gea's contract expires at the end of the season but United have the option to extend his deal.

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