Manchester United star Juan Mata given birthday bumps in training as David De Gea reveals Sir Alex Ferguson advice from when he first joined
MANCHESTER UNITED star Juan Mata was given birthday bumps in training on Saturday ahead of his side's clash with Arsenal tomorrow.
The Spanish midfielder, 30 today, was thrown up and down by his team-mates, including Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera to celebrate his milestone birthday.
Meanwhile, David De Gea has revealed the incredible advice Sir Alex Ferguson gave to him when he was under massive pressure after joining the club.
On his 2011 arrival, De Gea recalled: "Oh my God. It was a brutal start. Ferguson took a huge risk. He had the courage to give me that jersey.
";Ferguson was blunt. He told me I had to adapt; it was going to be hard and there would be bumps in the road.
"I recall reading about United's interest and I didn't believe it at first.
"They wanted a replacement for Van der Sar, a 40-year-old who had such experience, and there was me - just a kid. We knew there would be challenges.
"The second big moment was midway through my second season. I had been under pressure after a game at Spurs, where Gary Neville criticised me.
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"I made a mistake late on but I'd made a hatful of brilliant saves that day. It doesn't bother me.
"Neville was right about the error. It was snowing and I misjudged a cross.
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"Not long after, we were playing at Real Madrid. Ferguson brought me into the press conference in the Bernabeu.
"He told everyone, the British media, the Spanish media, that I had a special talent.
"I remember what he said exactly. He compared me to a toddler taking their first steps forward. You wobble, get up, wobble, get up again and then you walk.
"Ferguson ended that press conference saying, 'The boy is walking now'.
"Ferguson sat next to me and told the world how much he believed in me. I felt emboldened.
"Ferguson was very patient with me. He did not shout and was never too harsh. He knew I needed time and trust."