MANCHESTER UNITED fan Connor Roberts says it would be “extra special” to line up against David De Gea for The New Saints’ David and Goliath European tie against Fiorentina.

TNS have become the first domestic Welsh side to reach the group stage of European competition and start the six-game UEFA Conference League phase at Fiorentina – beaten finalists in the last two seasons – tonight.

For 31-year-old goalkeeper Roberts it is a dream come true with former United star De Gea set to don the Viola gloves after ending his year-long absence from football to sign for the Italian giants.

“I’m a lifelong Man United fan and it would be extra special to play against De Gea,” said Roberts, who is expected to be the busiest man at Stadio Artemio Franchi when two very different football worlds collide.

“He’s arguably one of the best shot-stoppers the Premier League has ever had. He was the best goalkeeper in the Premier League by a country mile and I’d say he probably saved United from a couple of bottom-half finishes.

“I’ll definitely go and ask for his shirt at the end and maybe have a quick chat then.”

Wrexham-born Roberts’ own career has not hit the heights he dreamed of after signing for Everton aged 15 when he faced the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Tim Cahill and Yakubu in first-team training sessions.

The Wales Under-21 international had various loan stays before spells at Cheltenham and Chester and an eventual move into the Welsh Premiership.

The highlight was a call-up to Chris Coleman’s senior Wales squad for an Amsterdam friendly against the Netherlands in June 2014.

“I couldn’t catch a ball in the warm up, I was that nervous,” said Roberts. “I went from Wales Under-21s where I was starter over Danny Ward – who has gone on to have a fantastic career – to not being able to get a club for love or money and that was a really tough period.

“I always thought I would climb back up the ladder, but in the end it didn’t turn out that way.”

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has had his red card against Tottenham on Sunday overturned.

The Portugal midfielder was sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh for a high tackle on James Maddison during the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

United appealed against the decision and the Football Association has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal.

Fernandes, who was facing a three-match suspension, will now be able to play against Aston Villa this Sunday.

United are in Europa League action in Porto tonight while Tottenham face Ferencváros away.

Chelsea host Gent in the Europa Conference League.