Marco Silvestri admits that some of the early-season criticism aimed towards him was warranted, but the United goalkeeper feels he is now getting back to his best after some impressive displays between the sticks in recent weeks.

Silvestri, an ever-present in the Championship so far this term, was the subject of much scrutiny during the early months of the campaign as his role in some of the goals United conceded came into question.

However, recent games have seen the 24-year-old return to the heights which saw him shortlisted for the club’s Player of the Year award following his debut season in English football.

Silvestri has also been on the receiving end of glowing praise from head coach Steve Evans, who said: “Since I’ve come in the big fella has been outstanding.

“He’s producing the type of performance they thought he was capable of when they first brought him to the club.

“He’s a confidence boy so we tell him every day that he’s great. He’s producing great performances.”

Asked if he had been affected by the criticism, Silvestri was quick to shrug off the suggestion, saying: “The criticism is normal in football.

“I thought it was correct because I can play better than how I did at the start of the season, like I am showing now. I don’t get angry about it. I’m very happy now.

“Being a goalkeeper is beautiful but it’s also very difficult. Every time you make a mistake, the ball will go in the goal.”

The Italian’s return to form was underlined by his display in last weekend’s goalless draw at Charlton Athletic, denying the hosts with a number of fine saves to preserve his clean sheet.

The pick of his stops, though, came in the second half as he somehow flew across his line to claw away Ricardo Vaz Te’s effort from inside the area which seemed destined for the bottom corner.

Reflecting on that particular save, Silvestri said: “When I saved the ball I thought ‘wow’, because it was a very difficult save to make. But that is my job and I have to make the saves.

“When I can make saves like that one, it makes me happy.”

Silvestri is now preparing for his second Christmas in England, and he is well aware of how crucial the approaching festive fixtures could be to shaping the remainder of United’s season.

“The games coming up are very, very important now because we have five matches very close to each other,” he said.

“Thursday (away to Wolves) will be difficult because we play a good team away from home.

“Every match is difficult but we can have a good one. We’ll try to keep a clean sheet and win the game.”