Sir Alex Ferguson has made sure to give his full backing to goalkeeper David De Gea as the Spanish stopper looks set to return to action in Sunday's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old has come under pressure this season after some nervy performances after being installed as the number one following his £18.9million move from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
However, Anders Lindegaard has pushed De Gea for s starting role and had looked impressive after a run in the side, but has now been ruled out of action for four to six weeks as he recovers from an ankle injury.
De Gea was questioned after his performance in the 2-1 FA Cup loss to Liverpool but Ferguson has made sure to make it clear that he is certain that the youngster can prove the doubters wrong.
"The boy has got a great talent. He has made two or three mistakes but in two or three years' time we won't be discussing that at all because he will have matured. Then he will be realising his potential," Ferguson told ESPN.
"When you make a mistake at United, it is highlighted and can be exaggerated a little bit. They are mistakes and he wants to address it himself. He will do through maturity and the understanding of the English game.
"It is harder when you are replacing Edwin van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel. They are probably two of the greatest goalkeepers in European football over the last 40 years.
"That is not easy. I found it difficult to replace them. That's why we went for a young replacement, who would develop and mature into the position because the potential is there."
Manchester United are currently level on points with league leaders Manchester City as they look to win yet another title and Ferguson will be hoping that Roberto Mancini's side will slip up again in the coming weeks.
First United must attempt to get a result in west London, something they have struggled to do in recent seasons as Chelsea have had a superb record against the Premier League champions, going unbeaten in their last nine home games against Ferguson's side, winning six and drawing three.
