David de Gea is only Manchester United's THIRD best goalkeeper, jokes Jose Mourinho as he rests star man for Champions League tie

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Following his match-winning performance against Arsenal, many have claimed David de Gea is the world's best goalkeeper... but his own manager thinks otherwise.

Ahead of Manchester United's Champions League tie with CSKA Moscow, Jose Mourinho joked that De Gea was only his third best stopper, behind Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira.

The United boss will rest De Gea for this week's European clash at Old Trafford, and when asked if he had worked with a better goalkeeper in his career, he said: 'Yes. Romero.

David de Gea celebrates after helping Manchester United to three points away at Arsenal

The goalkeeper's fine performance was a huge factor in United's 3-1 win at the Emirates

'Because he plays [against CSKA] and my goalkeeper is always the best goalkeeper in the world. So now David is the third best.

'Romero is number one, Joel number two and David is the third best.'

The comment was of course made in jest, and De Gea's stunning performance at the Emirates on Sunday cemented his place among the world's elite.

United ran out 3-1 winners despite a late red card for star man Paul Pogba, and Mourinho was quick to praise his goalkeeper in the aftermath.

Jose Mourinho has since joked that De Gea is only his third best keeper at Manchester United

Sergio Romero (pictured) will take his place in goal for the game against CSKA Moscow

Joel Pereira (right, pictured with Luke Shaw) will be named on the bench against CSKA

Manchester United are top of Group A and need just a point to finish above their rivals

Summing up De Gea's season so far, he said: 'Very good. Very, very good. All season very good.'

The Red Devils go into Tuesday's Champions League tie having all-but secured their place in the knockout stages. 

It would take a heavy defeat, with United guaranteed to finish top unless they lose by four goals at home to the unfancied Russians.