David De Gea started for Spain against Macedonia

David de Gea says he is "enjoying football" and is ready to return for Manchester United after making his first appearance of the season for Spain.

The goalkeeper was left out of United's squad for their first four Premier League fixtures due to a transfer saga with Real Madrid.

However, after that move collapsed on Spanish deadline day, De Gea now faces a battle to regain his first-team spot at Old Trafford, with incumbent Sergio Romero keeping four clean sheets in six matches in all competitions.

De Gea kept a clean sheet for Spain in their 1-0 European Qualifier win over Macedonia on Tuesday and was grateful to coach Vicente del Bosque for giving him his first outing of the campaign.

"I felt good out there," he said to the Spanish press. "The coach has given me confidence. I am just happy to have played. I wanted to play. I am very grateful to my team-mates who have been superb, and to the manager.

The coach has given me confidence. I am just happy to have played. I wanted to play. David de Gea on playing for Spain

"Now we need to continue to work and let's see if I'm also lucky in my club. My future is going to be the same as it is now. I'm calm, will continue to work and improve.

"In conclusion, I'm enjoying football. I'm happy."

Juan Mata, who scored the only goal of the game against Macedonia, expects his United and Spain team-mate to have a smooth return to Old Trafford.

"De Gea is very well regarded at the club and by the coach [Louis van Gaal]," Mata said to Spanish sports newspaper Marca. "I believe everything will continue to be the same.

"From what I perceive, I don't think there is going to be any issue upon his return, neither from the club, the coach nor the fans.

"The fans love him a lot. In the past two years David has been the best player in the team due to the saves he made and the many points those saves gave us. I have no doubt that this year is also going to be very good for him."

Juan Mata and De Gea are Manchester United and Spain team-mates.

Mata has applauded De Gea's attitude throughout a summer in which the Madrid-born player has been the centre of transfer speculation.

"I've spoken to him a lot in recent days," Mata said. "It has been a busy time with a lot of stress, but he is such a calm person that he has managed to maintain his focus.

"Nothing changes him, he is going to continue to be the great goalkeeper he was."

De Gea has not played for United since a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain on July 29.