"I have lots of good friends at Athletic and it’ll be a special night for me."

– David De Gea, from an interview in tonight's United Review

Subscribe"I have lots of good friends at Athletic and it’ll be a special night for me."

– David De Geaamme.

De Gea faces familiar foes

David De Gea will be bursting with pride when he takes to the field for United in the Europa League against Athletic Club tonight.

The last-16 tie against the Bilbao outfit pits the Reds goalkeeper against Spanish opposition for the first time since he arrived last summer.

And the 21-year-old is relishing the prospect of facing a side from his homeland, not least because he counts several of the Athletic side among his friends.

De Gea told tonight’s United Review: "It’s exciting because I never imagined I’d be facing Athletic when I came here, so it’ll be a special night for me.

"I have lots of good friends at Athletic; I’ve played with several of them for Spain at various age levels. They’re all looking forward to the game too."

De Gea is hunting a second Europa League winner’s medal, having triumphed in the competition with his hometown club Atletico Madrid in 2010.

And he feels a successful run in Europe can add momentum to United’s bid to overhaul Manchester City in the title race.

"Victories in the Europa League would be good for our confidence, both individually and as a team, so reaching the latter stages can only help our league form," De Gea added.