Juan Mata has claimed that goalkeeper David de Gea will be welcomed back into Manchester United's first team despite his botched move to Real Madrid.
The Spaniard was on the verge of ending a summer-long transfer saga before delayed paperwork on Spain's deadline day saw the switch break down.
The 24-year-old, who had been exiled by United boss Louis van Gaal, is now expected to come back into the fold, and Mata says that his Red Devils teammate need not worry about a hostile reception.
"I do not think there will be any problem with his return from the club, the coach or the fans," the 27-year-old told reporters. "That is what I perceive. The fans love him very much, in the club he is highly regarded and that is the same for the coach. I think we will all remain the same.
"Over these days I have spoken a lot with him. Although they have been hectic and stressful days, he is such a quiet person who is level-headed. Nothing changes and he will remain the great goalkeeper he was.
"In the last two years David has been the best player in the team and his saves have given us many points. I have no doubt that this year will also be very good for him."
De Gea, whose contract expires next summer, was named as United's Player of the Year last season.
Shane Callaghan
