Manchester United star David De Gea makes honest admission ahead of Bournemouth showdown

De Gea has been among the Premier League’s top performers this season and has kept 16 clean sheets in 33 appearances to date.

But he was powerless to prevent Jay Rodriguez nodding in a winner as West Brom secured a shock victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United and David De Gea will be eager to bounce back from that defeat on Wednesday night when they visit the Vitality Stadium.

And the goalkeeper has admitted Bournemouth’s home ground is inhospitable ahead of the clash against Eddie Howe’s men.

"It’s not an easy place to go," he told MUTV.

"It’s quite a small, compact place, a difficult ground to go and get a result.

"All that considered, we’ve still got to make sure that we perform well to try and get those three points. That’s the key."

De Gea also identified where Bournemouth’s strengths lie.

"They’ve had a really good season, especially in the performances and the results they’ve gained at home," he added.

"They’re quick all over the field, they’ve got some speedy forwards.

"Quite a few of the front players have got a good eye for goal, as well."

De Gea went on to reiterate Jose Mourinho’s verdict that Manchester United need to finish as runners-up this term.

"What we have got to make sure of now is that we finish second this season," he said. "That’s what we’ve got to hope for league-wise.

"So we’ve got to make sure we put in a good performance and get the win midweek and make sure we hold on to that second place."