David de Gea spoke to the media straight after the final whistle in Kiev last night. The Spanish goalkeeper had an excellent match making ten key saves. The Manchester United was anxious to play down his performance after the game.

The game: “The whole team played well. We knew it would be difficult as Ukraine had to win”.

Your performance: “I always try and do my best. Tonight things worked out well and the important thing was to win the game. I always give my all and today luck was on my side too. This is the way forward”.

The U-21 players coming through: “We all know each other really well and you could see that tonight with the link up play between Thiago and Isco. We’re all young and hope to play for the national side for some time”.

You made some great saves tonight, which was your favourite? “For a goalkeeper, all saves are important, but if I had to choose, maybe the stop with my feet in the first half with the game tied at 0-0… I’d opt for that one”.

Did Casillas speak to you afterwards? “He congratulated me on the performance”

Does Casillas give you tips? “He’s been an elite player for so long, so it’s natural he wants to help me along, of course”.

Would you be disappointed not being first choice goalkeeper at next summer’s finals? “I’ve said it before; I want to be at the top of my game to make the decision as difficult as possible”.

With a performance like this it puts what happened in August into the shade? “I just want to maintain the form I had last season as I felt i was playing well. It’s tricky maintaining a great run of form but I need to keep improving and growing”.

Is there a new clause in your Manchester United contract that will allow you leave when you wish to? You should ask Jorge (Mendes) that question; he’s the one who pays attention to those details”.