David De Gea Backs Juan Mata and Ander Herrera To Regain Manchester United Starting Spots

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has backed his compatriots Juan Mata and Ander Herrera to convince manager Louis van Gaal they deserve a place in his starting line-up after a difficult start to the life under the new boss.

Mata moved to Old Trafford during the January transfer window after David Moyes agreed to pay £37m to Chelsea, and quickly became a regular for the Scot.

However the playmaker has only started seven of United's first 11 domestic league fixtures, and was on the bench for the club's last two games against Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

Herrera became van Gaal's first United addition this summer after the Premier League giants met the £29m release clause imposed by Athletic Bilbao.

The midfielder was expected to be a crucial asset in van Gaal's midfield, shaping the game as Xavi Hernandez used to do for Barcelona.

But Herrera is also failing to convince the manager he deserves a regular place in his line-up.

Having struggled with a couple of injuries since the beginning of the campaign, the Spaniard has been an unused substitute in the last three Premier League games.

Asked about the £66m pair's situation during an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, De Gea said: "It is the manager's decision but they are great players.

"Mata scored a goal in the last game [against Palace] to give us the victory. I am sure they will eventually manage to get a lot of minutes.

"We are in a difficult situation and the manager has opted to introduce other players. But with the talent they have I am sure they will eventually be in the line-up".