David De Gea says he is 'proud to be a red' as Gary Neville warns Manchester United must keep the goalkeeper at all costs

Highly-rated stopper has been linked with a return to Spain

David De Gea has been one of United's standout performers this season (GETTY IMAGES)

After David De Gea tweeted he was "proud to be a red" after Manchester United's 4-2 derby win over Manchester City on Sunday, former Red Gary Neville has warned that the club must keep the goalkeeper, who has interested Real Madrid, at all costs this summer.

The 'keeper has been United's standout performer this season, but has been constantly linked with a move to the Champions League holders this season. The 24-year-old moved to Old Trafford in an £18m transfer from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

Neville says that if United have to sell De Gea to Real, they need to take one of the La Liga' club's players in a makeweight deal.

"United need to try and keep him," Neville told Sky Sports.

"If they’re not going to keep him, there’s only one club you can think of that is going to come in for him. United have got to take someone off them.

“He has settled down now and is performing fantastically well. He’s been the best player for United all season, and he’s a candidate for player of the season.

Gary Neville says United must keep hold of De Gea (Getty)

“When this club - and any club for that matter - don’t have the goalkeeping position settled, it creates anxiety and nervousness all the way through the team."