David de Gea is adamant that there is no bitterness between him and Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal over his collapsed summer move to Real Madrid.
The goalkeeper was on the brink of a switch to the Bernabeu on transfer deadline day but the deal fell through at the 11th hour after the two clubs failed to submit the necessary paperwork in time.
Van Gaal had initially refused to pick the 25-year-old during the uncertainty about his future and the pair's relationship was at risk of becoming strained.
But De Gea has praised the Dutchman's handling of the situation and revealed the Dutchman was quick to reassure him of his stature at Old Trafford.
"From the first I day I came back, after all that happened, he gave me a lot of confidence, told me I would play, to relax and keep doing what I had done before."
"From outside, you see a person with a lot of character, which is what he is.
"He is a good person. You can talk with him about anything you want, and face-to-face he is sincere.
"We have a normal relationship between a coach and player.
"We both want what is best for the club."
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De Gea signed a new four-year contract in September and has kept five clean sheets in eight appearances since he returned to the United team.
