Man United boss Ferguson hails ‘outstanding’ De Gea and Rafael

Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on David De Gea and Rafael after the pair’s “outstanding” seasons for Manchester United.

Goalkeeper De Gea has recovered from a shaky start to his Old Trafford career to firmly establish himself as United’s No1 between the posts, while Rafael has excelled at right-back for the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

And when asked about who he would pick to win Manchester United’s player of the year award, Ferguson singled out the duo along with Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie.

“I think we’ve got two developing players, first of all, in Rafael and David De Gea,” Ferguson told United’s website. “They have had outstanding seasons.

“Then there is Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie. That is the four and I wouldn’t like to choose between them. I think they have definitely elevated themselves this season.”

De Gea was on Sunday named in the PFA Premier League team of the year for 2012-13 along with his United team-mates Rio Ferdinand, Carrick and Van Persie.

Manchester United host Chelsea in their next Premier League game at Old Trafford on Sunday.