Peter Schmeichel: 'Manchester United need better defence for David de Gea'

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has called on his former club to strengthen their defence if current goalkeeper David de Gea is to improve.

The Spanish stopper has overcome a shaky start at Old Trafford to become a steady influence in between the posts, but the Dane believes that De Gea can become better still if the team's backline is bolstered.

Schmeichel told BBC Sport: "For Manchester United's David de Gea to become a more dominant goalkeeper, I think that he needs a better defence in front of him.

"For a couple of years now Manchester United has lacked a strong, reliable rearguard that plays higher up the pitch.

"That gives De Gea plenty of time to show off his shot-stopping, but it is difficult to command your area without the understanding and confidence in the players in front of you."

De Gea kept a clean sheet on his first competitive appearance for Spain in a 4-0 win over Luxembourg earlier this month.