De Gea eyes European glory

Manchester United new-boy David de Gea does not believe the Red Devils should be fazed by the prospect of trying to win the Champions League.

Such was the manner of United's Wembley defeat by Barcelona last month that most of the club's supporters were left wondering exactly when it was realistic for Sir Alex Ferguson's squad to conquer Europe once more.

"Aiming to win the Champions League is realistic," De Gea told MUTV. "That is what we're going to do."

Before that, the 20-year-old accepts he is heading for a fairly steep learning curve.

Although he has been widely acclaimed as one of the most promising young keepers in Europe, De Gea has been a senior professional for only two years and has no experience of life in England, either from a professional or personal standpoint.

Considering who he has been bought to replace, he could be forgiven a few nerves.

But after agreeing a five-year contract, De Gea spoke confidently about his hopes for the future.

"I am excited about getting started training and meeting my future team-mates," he said.

"Edwin has been the best goalkeeper in the world whilst here at United.

"I hope to emulate him and spend a great number of years here. Hopefully I will equal or even surpass the performance and contribution he made to the club."