Speaking to the Daily Mail back in 2017, former Manchester United coach Eric Steele said: "I can only remember Sir Alex Ferguson missing two United matches. He missed a Manchester derby in 2000 for his son's wedding.
"The other time? To scout the brilliant David de Gea. I joined United in 2008 and, from that moment, we needed to be ready for the day Edwin Van Der Sar retired. I was convinced that a 19-year-old De Gea was the right man to replace him.
"I showed a three-minute DVD compilation to Sir Alex and then we went to watch him play for Atletico Madrid at Valencia on the night United played Scunthorpe in the League Cup. Sir Alex knew he was the right signing inside 65 minutes.
"David showed composure, concentration and reflexes. He made one terrific save that went through a load of bodies. It was a brave decision to commit £17 million to a 19-year-old goalkeeper.
"People targeted David physically but we never changed our programme to improve him. We knew the strength and power would come. Sir Alex and I encouraged him the whole time. Sir Alex did not criticise him. Not once."
De Gea, who arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2011, took his time adapting to life in England but soon went on to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
