Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea believes

the criticism he received earlier in the season has inspired his recent fine form.

He hopes the trend will continue against West

Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Some high-profile mistakes left many wondering if the former Atletico Madrid player was good enough to play for United but his recent excellence brought a point at Chelsea and arguably all three against

Tottenham Hotspur last week.

“I did receive one or two bits of criticism at the start of the season,” said De Gea.

“But it only served to make me a stronger

person. It encouraged me to keep fighting and keep working hard.

“The important thing is not to let yourself get down because you can turn it around. Through hard work, I have waited for my chance and grabbed it.

“Fortunately now I am showing some good form. I hope this can continue right the way through until the end of the campaign.”

United are two points behind leaders Manchester City, who travel to Swansea City on Sunday.

After last Sunday’s defeat at home to United, Tottenham are just four points clear of Arsenal in the race for third.

They face a testing trip to Everton without the injured Michael Dawson but Jermain Defoe maintained his recent goalscoring form with two in the FA Cup win over Stevenage in midweek.

“He is a good finisher and he is a good player,” said manager Harry Redknapp.

“He must have a chance (of an international recall).

“That is a problem area for England. There is a shortage of top strikers and Jermain is up there with the best of them when he is sharp and on form, and he is looking sharp at the moment.”