Manchester United: Sir Alex Ferguson Signs David De Gea to 5-Year Deal

While many critics suggest Manchester United have reached a point of no return and now the baton lies in the hands of Manchester City, Sir Alex Ferguson continues to prove them wrong as he brought Europe's most talented young goalkeeper to Old Trafford.

Today, former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea signed a five-year contract with Manchester United, according to the Associated Press, though the fee has not been made official as of yet.

Amongst the current crop of goalkeepers around, de Gea is ranked in the top 10 and is only 20 years old.

Having played for Atletico Madrid since joining the club's youth system in 2003, he has been brilliant in the last two seasons, having been part of Atletico's major achievements in winning the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.

But de Gea has also been very successful for the Spanish U17 and U21 teams, winning the European championships with at both levels.

In early 2010 he was named in the provisional squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup but fell short and didn't make the final cut. Taking into consideration the competition for places in the Spanish squad with Casillas, Valdez and Reina heading the pack, it's no insult for the youngster.

Now there lies a new challenge for the 20-year-old: a No. 1 spot up for grabs at one of the most successful clubs in Europe under one of the best managers in the game.

De Gea, speaking after putting pen to paper, had this to say to Manchester United TV in an exclusive interview today:

“I feel very proud and I can’t wait to start playing here. When a club the size of Manchester United comes in for you it obviously makes you very, very happy.

"I saw their interest as an extra motivation to work even harder to show off my ability. It’s a great privilege to be part of a club like United and I'm keen to do my best and show what I can do.”

Ferguson will be pleased to have completed the signing and focus on the next major challenge, acquiring a top-notch midfielder at the right price.

With market inflated and prices going through the roof, Ferguson has been able to signing three quality players for just under £50 million.

The next target could possibly be Arsenal's talented Frenchman—no, not Wenger but rather Samir Nasri, whose ability both on and off the ball could be exactly what United require.

Nevertheless, as we welcome the signing of the Spanish goalkeeper, who joins Phil Jones and Ashley Young as the three signings thus far, opposing teams will be weary of United's growing strength and a major point would be that hungry, ambitious youngsters are looking toward United for growth rather than teams with loads of wealth.

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FC Barcelona has renewed his contract, according to a club press release. The youngster will sign a new deal keeping him at Nou Camp until 2015. This dampens the hopes of many clubs who were looking to benefit from the highly gifted teenager.

Barcelona wanted to allow the player sale but only with a "buy-back clause." With most clubs unwilling to include the clause, it seems Barca are now reluctant to let go of another Catalonian son.

Added to that, Barcelona seem to be guarding his talents to the extent his been slashed with a €90 million release clause.