Edwin van der Sar has saluted David de Gea for the way that he has adapted to life as a Manchester United goalkeeper.

The young Spaniard was signed from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011 to replace Van der Sar, who had decided to retire in the wake of United's defeat in the Champions League final to Barcelona.

He endured a mixed start to his career at Old Trafford, but during the most recent campaign his form between the posts saw him voted into the PFA Team of the Season, which in turn has earned him praise from his predecessor.

"The first half of the season and the year before, there were some mixed feelings and the gaffer changed it up a little bit to play Anders Lindegaard for three or four games," Van der Sar told the club's official website. "But then David came back in and we stuck with him. From that point, his performances grew and he became more important to the team all of the time.

"Of course, the PFA recognition was great but the main thing you want is to win the Premier League. Personal accolades are nice but the main thing is winning something with the team. That was always my preferred choice.

"As long as your teammates are happy with you and your manager plays you every week, those are the best accolades you can get. Of course, after you win the league it is nice to look at individual trophies, but the team always comes first."

Van der Sar spent six years with United and won the Premier League on four occasions, as well as the Champions League once.