Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed new goalkeeper David de Gea to come good despite the Spaniard's shaky start to his career at Old Trafford.
The highly rated £18 million signing has been at fault for goals conceded against Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion so far this season, suggesting the former Atletico Madrid guardian may take time to settle in England.
However Ferguson is in no doubt that United have acquired a goalkeeper of the highest quality as they attempt to fill the vacancy created by Edwin van der Sar's retirement at the end of last season.
"David made a couple of mistakes in his first games, which we didn't expect and nor did he," Ferguson told Inside United.
"It was unusual because his form at Atletico Madrid as an 18-year-old was sensational."
De Gea's next test comes against Bolton on Saturday, with the physical approach favoured by Wanderers striker Kevin Davies likely to mean the United keeper is in for another turbulent afternoon.
Ferguson is confident the Spaniard will rise to the challenge however.
"There is no doubt we have a player of great potential. Our job at this club is to realise that potential and make sure he becomes a top goalkeeper," Ferguson added.
"He'll do that once he gains experience and adapt to the physical nature of the league."
"He'll do that once he gains experience and adapt to the physical nature of the league."
"It is a different game here compared to Spain - there are more crosses to deal with and there is more contact. Bit by bit, we will get there with him."