Patrice Evra: David de Gea has to work hard to live up to Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United

David De Gea (Spain)

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Patrice Evra believes new Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has a lot to live up to when he replaces Edwin van der Sar next season.

The Spanish under-21 international sealed a move to United from Atletico Madrid – believed to be worth £18.3 million – earlier this week as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to fill the void between the sticks following Van der Sar’s retirement from the game.

The French full-back has promised the young Spaniard will be given the backing of his new team-mates as they look to secure a record 20th league title in the next campaign.

Evra told MUTV: “David is a good goalkeeper.

“We don’t know him yet but we’ll give him a nice welcome.

“It’s never easy to replace a big goalkeeper like Van der Sar, and I’m a little bit sad that Edwin has retired, but De Gea is the future now.

“He has to work hard because it’s not easy to do the job Edwin did, but he’ll be given every opportunity.

“We wish him all the best because he has come to the biggest club in the world, and it’s important for him to give 100% every day.”

De Gea was an essential part of the Madrid side that won the Europa League and Super Cup in 2010, and managed 57 league appearances in two seasons with the La Liga outfit.