Victor Valdes
Valdes is closing in on full fitness ahead of a potential permanent deal with United. Getty Images/Denis Doyle

Manchester United's David De Gea says he backed manager Louis van Gaal's decision to offer his compatriot Victor Valdes the chance to complete his injury rehabilitation at Old Trafford.

Even though it is still uncertain whether United will sign the 32-year-old keeper on a full-time basis once he completes his recovery, van Gaal opened the door to him by saying: "United always has their eyes open."

"[Valdes is] special because I've worked with him and we've retained our relationship, which is not always the case," van Gaal said when asked about the possibility to sign him."

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De Gea had already played with the former Barcelona star in the national team and looks ready to have him at Old Trafford, even though he will have to fight with him for a place in van Gaal's line-up.

When asked about Valdes during an interview with El Pais, he said: "He is working very hard and will soon return to play. I agreed that Van Gaal offered him help. We have a good medical service here and very good facilities."

After deciding against renewing his contract at the Camp Nou last June, the Spaniard became a free agent and recently confirmed "he is almost ready" to return to action on his Twitter account.

Meanwhile, De Gea has discussed his adaptation to Manchester United until becoming one of the leaders of the current squad.

"I am an absolutely different keeper now (from when he was at Atletico Madrid). I worked well to adapt. I remember the first game against West Bromwich. They hit me and threw around the floor."