Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea believes a win against Real Sociedad in the Champions League on Tuesday will all but secure a last-16 spot.
The three-times European champions currently sit top of Group A with seven points, one clear of Bayer Leverkusen and two ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Spaniard is hopeful United, unbeaten in seven games in all competitions, can maintain their strong performances in Europe this season.
“We want to win on Tuesday and continue the good form we’ve shown in Europe so far,” De Gea told the club website.
“We know that if we get the three points we’ll have one foot in the knockout rounds.
“Real Sociedad showed they are a strong team when they came to Old Trafford and they’ll be even stronger at home in front of their own fans,” De Gea added of United’s 1-0 victory two weeks ago.
The Basque club are yet to earn a point in the Champions League this season though they warmed up for their latest European encounter with a 5-0 hammering of Osasuna on Saturday.
De Gea, with his inside knowledge of tonight’s opponents from his Atletico Madrid days, is looking forward to returning to his homeland.
“It’s a great stadium and San Sebastian is a very special city,” he said.
“It’s always a good experience to go back to Spain and, of course, doing so wearing the Manchester United shirt makes me very proud.”
United will take on Sociedad without defensive pair Rafael and Jonny Evans after both limped off against Fulham on Saturday.
Tom Cleverley, who was also withdrawn against The Cottagers, has recovered from double vision in time to make the flight to Spain.
Image courtesy of YahooUK, with thanks.
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