David de Gea will continue to show his importance to Manchester United by making many more brilliant saves, believes Michael Carrick.
Despite United's struggles in recent weeks, De Gea's personal performance levels have remained high as he continues to enjoy his best run of form for a few years.
The goalkeeper was forced into five key saves in the recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea, including a fine stop from Callum Hudson-Odoi, which helped earn United a point at the league leaders.
De Gea's performances have been recognised with a nomination for United's Player of the Month award for November and caretaker manager Carrick has also moved to shower him in praise.
"David has done what he does," Carrick told United's official website.
"I thought the first save, from [Callum] Hudson-Odoi, kind of epitomising how important he can be for us at a crucial time of the game, so early in the game.
"That is when you need your goalkeeper to step up and that almost gave us a platform to take on for the rest of the game. He’s been making many of those saves over the years, David, and I’m sure he’ll make plenty more.”
United face another London rival in Arsenal on Thursday evening at Old Trafford, in what is likely to be Carrick's final game at the helm before interim boss Ralf Rangnick takes over the reins. Carrick faced off against the Gunners many times as a United player and he has shared his feelings about the fixture.
"There have been some classics over the years," he added.
"I’ve been involved in some and watched from afar before I even got here. So, yeah, there’s always been a special feeling around this game and an edge around the fixture.
"The boys are looking forward to it, we’re looking forward to it, these are the big games you want to be involved in, and obviously we’re trying to come out on top.”
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