Ben Foster: It may take De Gea years to settle at United

Ben Foster is backing keeper David de Gea to fill the "huge shoes" at Manchester United left by Edwin van der Sar's retirement.

But former Red Devils keeper Foster admits it may take "a few years" for 20-year-old Gea to fully settle into the role.

Foster, who has secured his own spot in the Premier League with a loan move from relegated Birmingham to neighbours West Brom, was previously back-up keeper at Old Trafford behind Van der Sar.

He said: "I looked at a few YouTube videos of De Gea when there was talk of United signing him, and he looked unbelievable.

"He does look as if he has got absolutely everything. He is so quick and agile.

"It has been well documented that he needs to get on the weights a bit but the football attributes are all there to be a huge success."

Foster added: "It is a difficult one, replacing Edwin. It isn't so much about making world-class saves every single game - you go some games without even touching the ball.

"I don't think there is anyone who could have done the job Edwin did at United the last four or five years any better.

"He was kind of indispensable at United, but David has got everything to be a success there.

"Obviously he will have a lot of the spotlight on him. He is stepping into huge shoes and he needs to fill those shoes of Edwin's, which is hard to do.

"It make take him a few years to fully settle into the role but he will be one who is there for a long time. He looks like he has got everything."

Foster is still not making himself available for England at this juncture of his career after deciding to take a temporary break from international duty when at Birmingham last season.

He said: "I haven't had a re-think at all. I found last season, when I was just concentrating on playing for Birmingham, that I seem to get my best form.

"I haven't re-thought things at all and am concentrating on playing club football."