David de Gea immediately put the disappointment of missing out on a move to Real Madrid in 2015 behind him, says former Manchester United coach Frans Hoek.
The Spain international, who joined the Red Devils from Atletico in 2011, appeared destined to return to his roots when the Blancos came calling.
He was, however, to see a faulty fax machine scupper his plans, with the transfer deadline passing with him still at Old Trafford.
De Gea could have been forgiven for allowing a distracting saga to influence his performances but, after a short break handed to him by Louis van Gaal, he was soon back to his talismanic best.
Hoek, who was United’s goalkeeping coach at the time of the failed switch, told the Manchester Evening News: "I had an open discussion with David, who was always honest and realistic, and the conclusion was that it was better to leave him out until the moment his situation was clear because the situation was influencing David at that moment.
"David has always been open in the communication about that possible move. We discussed that openly and the fact it had failed to happen. I felt he knew exactly what was going on and switched immediately again to his current situation."
De Gea is now a three-time Player of the Year at Old Trafford and a vital figure in Jose Mourinho’s plans.
The Real rumours refuse to go away, with transfer talk surfacing again ahead of the summer, but United have no intention of sanctioning a sale.
Instead, they are looking to benefit from the considerable talents of a man who has followed in the footsteps of legendary keepers such as Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar to flourish at the Theatre of Dreams.
Another of his former coaches, Eric Steele, added on a man he scouted 17 times before a move was made: "People often forget, you're following a legend. Think of who came before him. I remember when I first met Edwin. 'Wow!'
"He had to take this mantle on. That is where his mental strength and calmness was terrific."
De Gea is currently on course to land the first Golden Glove of his career, with 17 Premier League sheets to his name, while he also has a World Cup campaign with Spain to come this summer.