He is only 22 years old, but it feels as though he's been playing at the top level of the game forever. David de Gea has developed from that baby-faced new arrival into Manchester United's first-choice keeper, a role that he has settled into very naturally.

Q. You were the Premier League's best goalkeeper last season. What are you expecting this season?

A. It's an important season for me to establish myself in the Premier League and achieve great things. The World Cup is just around the corner and I'll do everything I can to be there.

Q. You said goodbye to the Under-21s in June, with an amazing track record. How would you assess your time there?

A. I'm very pleased, but also sad. I left having won the European Under-21s Championship twice, but closing that chapter saddens me due to the many people I'd grown close to.

Q. Thiago was close to signing for Manchester United.

A. Yes, I tried to convince him, but it wasn't to be. He chose to join Bayern, which is a great club, and I'm sure he'll do well there.

Q. And Fàbregas?

A. He'll have to make a decision whether to stay at Barcelona or join us. He'd be a great signing as he'd help us improve a lot.

Q. Do you think that the mass influx of Spaniards to the Premier League makes it the best league in the world?

A. It's the best organised league. Everything is well organised on every level, even financially. You can see this; the players know it. It's a very attractive league and I like it a lot. The grounds are full for most games. It's normal that Spaniards should want to come here. It's important that there are more Spaniards so that the Premier League is followed more in Spain.