David De Gea insists there's no discontent at United

David De Gea denied there's discontent in Manchester United's dressing room over the way manager Louis van Gaal's running the club.

The Spanish goalkeeper debunked speculation suggesting Van Gaal lost the trust of United's senior players following the team's exit from the Champions League due to its poor league form.

"There's a great atmosphere. The dressing room is very together and united. They are a great set of lads and we're all very happy with the group of players that we have," De Gea told the team's website.

"I think that's really important in a team if it wants to achieve big things. This league is very tough to win and there will be a number of teams who will be in the shake-up for the title.

"That's what we all want, to stay up near the top, and to get to April and be in a position where we can win the league. That's what we're going to try to make happen."

De Gea feels captain Wayne Rooney deserves credit for creating a positive atmosphere behind closed doors and preventing negative influences from impacting United's players.

"As our captain he has a big personality. He always tries to motivate us. When things are going badly it's always him who speaks up and encourages us," De Gea added.

"He's the club captain and he's the one who has to do the talking and motivate us. That's what he always does."

De Gea will attempt to help United win its first match since Nov. 21 when it hosts Norwich City at Old Trafford on Saturday.