David De Gea: It's a dream to play for Manchester United
But he's now revealed he could have been putting the ball in the back of the net rather than stopping it had he not switched positions as a youngster.
De Gea has come on leaps and bounds since joining United from Atletico Madrid back in 2011.
And so far this season he's kept clean sheets in eight of his 11 appearances for the Red Devils.
De Gea has now made the surprising revelation that he could have been starring at the opposite end of the pitch had he not realised he was on track to be a top stopper.
I played up front at school in Madrid, then at a soccer school there too
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea reveals he used to play as a striker
"I played up front at school in Madrid, then at a soccer school there too," De Gea explained to United Review.
"I used to combine the two roles and play as a striker and then in goal. But, in the end, I realised I was a better keeper."
De Gea's feet have come to United's rescue a number of times though, most recently when he saved from Liverpool's Joel Matip during a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
"It's pure instinct," De Gea added.
GETTY
Manchester United star David De Gea has kept eight clean sheets so far this season
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Man United score after De Gea saves Blind's horror back pass
GETTY
Manchester United star David De Gea says he used to play up front when he was a youngster
"It's something you do automatically. It's not like you think to yourself: 'I'm going to use my feet'.
"It's just a reaction and there are times when the ball is coming at you very close to your body and there's not enough time to get down. I've always been decent with my feet so it's another skill you can call upon.
"[As I said], as a kid, I used to play out of goal, so my touch isn't too bad."
De Gea will be hoping United can bounce back from Sunday's defeat to Chelsea when they play host to Premier League rivals Newcastle on Saturday November 18.
