Jonny Evans believes it was a good thing David de Gea could barely speak any English when he arrived at Manchester United because it stopped him being exposed to all the harsh criticism he came in for.
De Gea is yet to dispel all the doubts about him. However, as each game passes, the 21-year-old shows unquestionable signs of quality.
On Thursday against Ajax he produced a reaction save which denied Siem de Jong a second half goal that could easily have condemned United to an embarrassing Europa League exit, and Evans admitted: "Probably it was a good thing David couldn't speak English at the start. It seemed like he was coming into training and nothing was affecting him."
He added: "He was just getting on with his game. But it was because he couldn't read or understand what was going on around him. Overall, that was probably better.
"Now his presence is building. The language barrier is being broken down and he is coming out of his shell a bit.
"He has a joke now and is not afraid of getting involved in some of the dressing room chat. That is settling him down."
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Rio Ferdinand will return to central defence but United are sweating on the chances of Wayne Rooney recovering from a throat infection.
The Scot has also played down the severity of an ankle injury to Tom Cleverley which has forced the young midfielder to go for a scan.
Cleverley only returned from a four-month absence with a similar problem in Amsterdam last week and any repeat injury would be a major concern.
However, Ferguson allayed those fears as he told MUTV on Friday: "He got a knock. He has been for a scan but we don't think it is serious."
Source: PA
