Goalkeeper: David de Gea
David de Gea really didn't have to do much to cement his place in this XI. Ever since he signed for Manchester United in 2011, de Gea has always been in and around the conversation for the best goalkeeper in the world. It seems hard to believe now, considering his-and United's-recent struggles, as well as his underwhelming 2018 World Cup campaign with Spain, but de Gea has always been a consistent performer for whatever team he represents.
Sir Alex Ferguson only missed two United games during his 26-year long stint at the helm. One was to attend his son's wedding, and the other was to watch de Gea in action for Atletico Madrid, on the recommendation of his scouts. Indeed, in the 2010/11 season, de Gea played all 38 games for Atletico, making what is still a career-high 3.9 saves per game.
Ferguson brought him to Old Trafford for the following season, but it seemed that he had erred, given the Spaniard's intial failure to adapt quickly to English conditions, and the physicality of the league, but Ferguson's faith was rewarded. de Gea grew in leaps and bounds, consistently pulling off gravity-defying saves and displaying cat-like reflexes when confronted with one-on-one situations. de Gea is also uniquely gifted at making a large proportion of saves with his feet, something many goalkeepers are loath to do, preferring to attempt saves with their hands.
In 2017/18, when Manchester United's second-place finish reflected their best season since the triumphant 2012/13 campaign, it was de Gea's performance in goal which ensured the Red Devils outperformed their expected goals against by almost 15, an invaluable contribution. Now 28, and having recently signed a new contract, de Gea has come a long way from the scrawny 20-year old who landed up in north-east England, is considered a senior figure at Old Trafford, and will hope to win more than just the one league title which he possesses currently.
