“I have every intention of spending many years at Manchester United. I want to go on to become a great United keeper and to earn and deserve respect. I want to help United make history.” – David De Gea.

After a debut season where a host of questions have been asked of Manchester United’s Spanish keeper, De Gea’s late save at Stamford Bridge may have been a turning point in his career at Old Trafford.

The fact it was an excellent free-kick, coming in the dying seconds of a terrific Manchester United comeback and would have been a save Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar would have proud of, means De Gea will likely take a lot of confidence from keeping out Juan Mata’s free-kick.

In the aftermath of Sunday’s Premier League game, there were many suggesting De Gea had produced the save of the season. Since we usually feature keeper gaffes and screw-ups, it only seems fair to list what we believe to be the saves of the season so far in comparison to De Gea’s effort at the Bridge.

Here are what we believe to be the top 7 saves so far in 2011/2012, listed in chronological order. Have your say in the comments and poll below.

Tim Krul (Newcastle) v Scunthorpe (2-1, August 25, 2011) The Dutch youngster has probably been the best keeper in the Premier League this season and this save is one of a number of fine stops he has made. The Toon must hold on to Krul if they want to keep challenging at the top of the table.

Victor Valdes (Barcelona) v Villarreal (5-0, August 29, 2011) Valdes is rarely called upon at the Camp Nou but does, every so often, make brilliant saves that must infuriate the opposition. This double save stopped the Yellow Submarine in their tracks when they were still in the match.

Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal) v Sunderland (2-1, October 16, 2011) Arsenal’s Pole in goal raced across his line to stop an almost certain Sunderland goal when the scores were at 1-1 just seconds after the Mackems had equalised.

Ali Al Habsi (Wigan) v Wolves (1-3, November 6, 2011) The Latics were comprehensively beaten, but as has been the case this season, the Omani custodian stood up to a barrage of efforts at Molineux and produced a string of fine saves. This flick over the bar from Christophe Berra was a brilliant save.

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) v Sevilla (3-2, November 19, 2011) Almost a replica of a save Casillas made on his last visit to the same stadium. The World Cup winning captain showed off his stunning agility and reflexes by somehow racing across his goal to stop a far post effort.

Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus) v Roma (1-1, December 12, 2011) Buffon has quietly gone about his business and been imperious for The Old Lady this season. This penalty save from Francesco Totti was incredible and a fair reminder of just how good the 34-year-old still is.

David De Gea (Manchester United) v Chelsea, (3-3, February 5, 2012). A finger tip stop from the Spaniard with 91 minutes on the clock from a Juan Mata free-kick that was curling into the top corner. Undoubtedly saved what could be a massive point as United chase Manchester City.

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