David de Gea has admitted he is more than happy to be a leading figure at Manchester United - and insists the Old Trafford dressing room spirit is 'terrific'.

Louis van Gaal's tenure has seen a number of experienced players leave the club, with De Gea one of few current first-team stars who have been at the club for a while.

The goalkeeper, who has impressed this season despite United's recent slump, arrived at the club in 2011 and won the Premier League in his second season.

Manchester United keeper David de Gea has admitted he is more than happy to be a leading figure at the club

De Gea arrived at the club in 2011 and is regarded as one of the more experienced players at Old Trafford

And the 25-year-old Spaniard admits his Red Devils team-mates look to him for help - and insists he is happy to help the younger players.

'I've been here for a good while now and there are lots of new faces here, and quite a few youngsters too,' he told the Mirror.

'The more years you are here and the more games you play in, you gradually gain more influence and authority within the group.

'Of course, being a goalkeeper I like being able to marshal my defence and the players around me so they can feel calm and relaxed with me right behind them.'

The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper performed a sensational U-turn in the summer and signed a new four-year deal after his dream move to Real Madrid fell apart.

The Spaniard performed a sensational U-turn in the summer to remain at club and has impressed this season

United recently suffered four straight defeats under Louis van Gaal (centre) but beat Swansea last weekend

He has gone on to impress this season and despite their slump, where they lost four matches in a row, De Gea insists team spirit is still strong.

'I think when you're going through tough times, that's when you become a very close unit and that's what we are,' he added.

'We have a terrific spirit in the dressing room. We're all very much together and we're all pulling in the same direction to do the very best we can for the club.'