A furious Sir Alex Ferguson phoned Gary Neville after 'f**king unfair' criticism of Man Utd player

Ferguson signed de Gea in 2011 and he had big shoes to fill following the retirement of Edwin van der Sar.

The Spain international struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League in his first few years and even had spells out of the team.

He quickly established himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers however and Neville, who had been critical of de Gea in the past, was given both barrels by his former manager.

"It was in the second season of my punditry, so he let the first season go.

"Do you remember, his first season was a massive struggle, wasn't it? But in the second season, he started to improve, to the point he became one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

"Sir Alex rang me and said 'I got it last year, but I think you're being f***ing unfair son'."

Ferguson is the only manager Neville played under at club level in his 19 year career and has an unlimited amount of respect for his former boss.

He believes it is important for pundits to express their opinion, but took Ferguson's word on board.

United manager Erik ten Hag has backed his goalkeeper however and believes he has all the tools to play his style of football.

"I am convinced he can do it," ten Hag maintained. "And it's obvious the second goal, okay (he was at fault). I have already seen in the first games and training he can do that."

United registered their first win of the season against Liverpool on Monday and return to action on Saturday against Southampton.

New signing Casemiro could be in line for his first league start, but it's likely ten Hag sticks with the team that defeated Liverpool five days ago.