Victor Valdes hails decision to join Manchester United despite being David de Gea back-up

Victor Valdes has claimed he is pleased with his decision to join Manchester United even though, with David de Gea as the unmovable number one for manager Louis van Gaal, he is yet to make his first-team debut at Old Trafford.

The former Barcelona star was heavily linked with a moved to Liverpool after he decided to end his spell at the Camp Nou once his contract at the Catalan side expired in summer 2014.

But after Van Gaal offered him the chance to complete his rehabilitation after he suffered a serious knee at the club training ground, Valdes signed an 18-month contract at Old Trafford in January.

The 'keeper admitted he did not expect to play at United but the call from the Dutch manager, who previously handed him his first-team debut at Barcelona, was decisive.

"I am very happy for this option in my career after my injury," he said Manchester United official website.

"I never thought maybe I will be a player of Manchester United but the manager called me and gave me this option, so it was a surprise for me. I always say it's great for my career to be a part of this club and part of this team and, maybe, I hope to win another important trophy here too.

"They are both massive clubs with a massive number of trophy wins and the number of fans around the world is so big. I think it's the same when you play for one of the most important clubs in the world, Man U or Barcelona, you must win always.

"This is our expectation and our job every day – for us, for the club and for the fans. It's not different for me. I know very well what you feel when you play for a big club, so it is not a big change for me."

And the Spanish international 'keeper has accepted being De Gea's back up, with Valdes playing for the Under 21 side even though he was one of the leaders of the Barcelona golden era – winning six La Liga titles, three Champions League crowns, two Copa del Reys, two European Super Cups and the Club World Cup twice.

"[De Gea] is the most important goalkeeper in the world. This is the way now. When you don't play in the first team here in England, it's usually better to play in the reserves. It's not something we do in Spain [where the B teams are separate squads in a different division] but you must accept it and focus on your performance because it is good for your game rhythm."

Despite De Gea excelling and Valdes uncertain whether he will have a chance to prove his worth at Old Trafford in the near future, the ex-Barcelona 'keeper says he is enjoying life in the Premier League.

"I enjoy the different weather here to what it is usually like for us in Spain. Seriously, I'm happy. It's not so different for my family. I have three children and my eldest kid is five years old and was already studying English in Barcelona, so it's not a big change for him and his brothers," he said.

"I'm very happy with my knee and playing with my new teammates. It's a good feeling to be on the pitch again playing football. It is most important for me after my injury."