The 22-year-old has rejected claims he was looking to leave the Premier League leaders after struggling for form since his arrival in 2011, insisting his happiness at Old Trafford

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has distanced himself from a move back to Spain following his man-of-the-match display against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The 22-year-old has received criticism for a lack of consistency since his £18.3 million move in 2011, promoting speculation linking him with a move back to his homeland after a perceived breakdown in the relationship between Spain No.1 Iker Casillas and Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho.

However, returning to the Spanish capital, the former Atletico Madrid man shined as United left the Bernabeu with a credible 1-1 ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford on March 5.

He told reporters after the game: “I am very happy in Manchester. Every day I am happier.”

Danny Welbeck’s 20th-minute header was cancelled by his Cristiano Ronaldo’s header of his own as the two European giants played out a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night.

Madrid registered 29 attempts on goal throughout the game, with De Gea earning praise for a near-inpenatrable display – emphasised by his scissor-kick goalline clearance to deny Fabio Coentrao in the second half.

However the goalkeeper was keen to highlight the performance of his defence, as the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans shone at centre-back.

He continued: “Stopping to Coentrao? That was just a very quick decision. I was acting on instinct.

“It was a great match. Real Madrid and Manchester United did very well. [Madrid] have a very strong attack, so we needed to be strong in defence.

“Real Madrid will attack at Old Trafford. They know they have to win to advance and we will do our best to stop them.”