David de Gea, Manchester United's new goalkeeper, has set his sights on emulating Edwin van der Sar's achievements at the club after becoming Sir Alex Ferguson's third major signing of the summer.

De Gea, the Spain Under-21 international, has signed a five-year contract in an £18m move from Atlético Madrid that takes United's spending since the end of the season to £50m.

"I feel proud; that's the first thing I would say," the 20-year-old told MUTV. "Obviously I am keen to start and it's a great privilege to be part of a club such as United. I am young but I'm coming here on the back of two full seasons in La Liga so I think I've got enough experience to contribute to such a big club."

Van der Sar retired at the end of last season, at the age of 40, after becoming one of the most decorated goalkeepers of all time.

"In my opinion Edwin has been the best goalkeeper in the world while he was here," De Gea said. "I hope to emulate him and spend a great number of years here and hopefully equal or even surpass the performance and contribution he made to the club."