David De Gea: I'm in the form of my life and ready to hamper Chelsea's title charge

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea believes he has taken his game to a new level this season.

De Gea was United’s player of the year during David Moyes’ ill-fated season in charge but his form this season under Louis Van Gaal has led to him becoming Spain's No 1 and being one of six nominees for the Professional Footballers Association’s prestigious player of the year award.

As he prepared for his head-to-head with Chelsea 'keeper Thibaut Courtois - another nominee for the PFA award - at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, he said: “It’s true that last season was good for me from a personal point of view but I think things are going quite a bit better this time around. 

“I think I’m competing better, performing well and I think my decision-making is a lot better this season. I’m happy and trying to keep going in the same way and keep improving.”

De Gea’s heroics saved United several points earlier this season when their defence was constantly changing and looking vulnerable. But he believes they have been far more solid in recent months.

He added: “Yes, I think a team is built on sound defence and not conceding many goals. That’s what we are managing to do at the moment. We’re defending better and bringing the ball out from the back better too and that increases confidence throughout the team and helps us to score more goals.

“We are on a good run of victories now against some difficult opponents and of course that gives the whole squad a lot of confidence and belief.

“We’ve just got to carry on in the same vein, keep competing just as well, keep playing the same way and I believe the wins will keep on coming.

“Winning the derby at home has been great for us confidence-wise. Now we have another massive game at Chelsea. It will be a tough game but we will be eager to try and pick up all three points.”

De Gea, who has only one season left on his current contract, has yet to sign the new deal on offer amid talk of interest from Real Madrid. But United hope he will commit his long-term future to Old Trafford once they have secured a return to the Champions League by virtue of a top four finish.