There were some Manchester United fans who would have happily sold David de Gea after his unconvincing debut campaign at Old Trafford.

The Spanish shot-stopper, who joined United in a £18 million deal from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011, was initially lightweight and unsuited to the physical demands of the English Premier League.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson kept faith with the young goalkeeper - albeit after taking him out of the team for Anders Lindegaard on occasions - after seeing enough during matches and in training to convince him that the club had signed the perfect successor for Edwin van der Sar.

De Gea gradually improved, silencing his critics with each passing week.

Now he’s widely regarded as one of the best keepers on the planet - if not *the* best.

The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday that De Gea is set to sign a new five-year deal with the Red Devils worth a staggering £350,000 a week.

‘Pay him whatever he wants!’ is now the cry from almost every United supporter.

What Rooney said to Warnock about De Gea in 2011

Rio Ferdinand admitted in February that he and other members of the United squad had doubts about De Gea after his early performances for the club.

However, judging by what Stephen Warnock has said this week, Wayne Rooney wasn’t among those who felt the same as Ferdinand and co.

The former Premier League defender told BBC Five Live, per the Manchester Evening News: "The only thing I would say is years ago when I was at Villa we were playing Manchester United.

“David de Gea was in goal and having a bit of a tough time.

“I turned to Wayne Rooney and said ‘what is he like?’ and he said ‘he’s unbelievable. He’ll be the best in the world one day’.”

Rooney's prediction has come true

So, there you have it: Rooney never had any doubts about De Gea’s qualities. Like Fergie, he’d seen enough from the youngster to convince him that United had signed a future world-class superstar.

And how right he was.

De Gea is now worth his weight in gold for United and has undoubtedly been the club’s most important player during the post-Ferguson era so far.

Those who doubted him have been made to feel very silly indeed.

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