The Spaniard has been rotated alongside Anders Lindegaard during the season as Sir Alex Ferguson searches for his number one, but de Gea believes the competition is healthy.

"I'm at a huge club and there are big demands on you," de Gea told the club's website.

"As a goalkeeper I'm well aware that any mistake can be magnified by the press and the fans. That's always the case for goalkeepers, no matter where you play.

"But it's true that here at Manchester United there's added pressure. It's bigger than it was for me at Atletico Madrid and also for the Spain under-21 team. It's a challenge that's enjoyable and it ensures you're always striving to operate at 100 percent."

United have fallen behind nine times in 13 English Premier League matches this season, a statistic which surprised de Gea.

The shot-stopper believes his side's ability to come back highlights their never-say-die attitude.

"I have been surprised. Certainly, when I was in Spain I'd heard about this aspect and seen for myself on TV the way the team always seemed to conjure up a late goal to either draw or win matches. So it's great to be a part of it myself," de Gea said.

"I think dramatic comebacks are part of the heart and soul of this club and it’s almost written in the history of Manchester United that these sorts of things happen so often. I love being a part of it and experiencing it for myself."