Sir Alex Ferguson sends message to David de Gea after record-breaking clean sheet

Sir Alex Ferguson has thanked goalkeeper David de Gea for his 'service to the club' after breaking Manchester United's long-standing clean sheet record.

De Gea surpassed Peter Schmeichel's tally during the club's Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday, collecting his 181st since joining the club in 2011.

The Spanish international was signed by ex-manager Alex Ferguson 12 years for a then-British record fee for a goalkeeper - £18.9m. After a shaky start to life at Old Trafford, he eventually blossomed into one of the best and most consistent stoppers around.

On this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders and Rob Blanchette discuss Manchester United winning their first trophy under Erik ten Hag. If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!

In a video created by the club to honour De Gea's remarkable achievement, Ferguson said a few words about the United number one.

"David, congratulations. To think of all those years back then when I signed you as a young kid. I just wanted to say well done, you deserve it. So enjoy the moment and thanks very much for your service to the club," the legendary former boss said.

De Gea's current manager Erik ten Hag honoured the record-breaking clean sheet by presenting the goalkeeper with a Red Devils jersey with 'De Gea 181' printed on it.

The United number one will be keen to add to that tally this weekend when his side face off against arch rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.