Evra backs De Gea to shine as much as Van der Sar

Patrice Evra has warned Manchester United's new signing David de Gea he will have to work hard if he is to successfully fill the void left by Edwin van der Sar.

Spanish goalkeeper de Gea agreed a five-year contract earlier this week to replace the veteran Dutchman, who retired at the end of last season.

United defender Evra is confident the 20-year-old, who won the European Championships with Spain Under-21s last weekend, fits the bill as a worthy successor.

Evra said: "David is a good goalkeeper. We don’t know him yet but we’ll give him a nice welcome.

"It’s never easy to replace a big goalkeeper like Van der Sar and I’m a little bit sad that Edwin has retired but De Gea is the future now.

"He has to work hard because it’s not easy to do the job Edwin did but he’ll be given every opportunity.

"We wish him all the best because he has come to the biggest club in the world, and it’s important for him to give 100% every day."