David De Gea has thanked Manchester United's injury crisis for making him a better goalkeeper.
The Spaniard has already seen 14 defenders play in front of him in the opening 11 Premier League matches this season because of an ever-growing injury list at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal has often had to deploy players out of positon in his back four this term and although the scenario is not ideal for the club, De Gea says it has benefited him on a personal level.
"I have never experienced this in the past," said the 24-year old.
"We've had so much bad luck with injuries and it has made it difficult to maintain the high level of consistency and performance that we need.
"Obviously it makes things very difficult [for a goalkeeper] but that's football and it is my job to be able to adapt to different situations.
"As a 'keeper it is important to form a good understanding with your back four and become familiar with each other's positions on the pitch.
"It's difficult when the players aren't there but you have to adapt and concentrate on your job. And the experience has definitely helped me improve."
