Rooney believes United are in safe hands with De Gea despite keeper's gaffes

Wayne Rooney has leapt to the defence of under-fire Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.

United paid Atletico Madrid £18.3million for the Spain Under 21 international as a replacement for Edwin van der Sar.

But De Gea has already made a number of high-profile gaffes as he appears to have struggled to make the transition from the Primera Liga to the Barclays Premier League.

Under-fire: David De Gea has been criticised after making a number of mistakes 

However Rooney insists the 21-year-old is a top quality keeper and will only get better.

The United and England striker said: ‘David is obviously a good shot-stopper.

‘I hadn’t seen much of him before he signed, but that was something I saw immediately. Also his passing out from the back is alongside Edwin’s. He rarely kicks long to a forward.

Gaffe: De Gea let this one slip against West Bromwich on the season's first day 

‘He is still young and has probably got a lot to learn, but he is working hard and doing well in training.

‘He is a strong character,’ he added. ‘After the Manchester City game, and then West Brom, he didn’t seem to be affected.

‘He was on the training pitch the next day, working hard. The last couple of games he’s done well for us and he will only get better the more he plays.’