David De Gea ‘calm and professional’ over Man United stay, claims team-mate Mata

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata insists David De Gea will remain professional and play his part for the side in the coming months despite the collapse of his dream move to Real Madrid on transfer deadline day.

The 24-year-old was involved in one of the biggest sagas of the summer as Real chased his signature, but they eventually paid to price for dragging their pursuit on for too long.

At one point it appeared De Gea could finally complete a return to his hometown, but the deal fell through at the eleventh hour due to a miscommunication which meant paperwork was not filed in time ahead of Tuesday’s 6pm deadline.

The Spanish number one has now linked up with his national side ahead of Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Macedonia, and midfielder Mata feels his club and international colleague will make the best of the situation.

"He seems calm to me, like he always is," Mata told AS.com. "He's had a testing few days, but I've been his friend and by his side throughout.

"It's good that he's here and just thinking about these two matches. He will be professional just like he always has been throughout his career.

"David is a professional and he will remain that way. He's a great goalkeeper and any team would be boosted by his presence. The fans will get behind him, and all of us."

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque earlier admitted it would be difficult for him to select De Gea in his European Championship squad for France if the goalkeeper remains on the sidelines at United.

When asked if he would counsel the keeper about his current situation in Manchester, Del Bosque told Marca: "No, but if I do feel the need to talk to him about it then I will say something.

"He needs to be professional and move on from this episode.

"I hope that he starts playing again and is happy, and if he plays well we can bring him along, otherwise if he doesn't play it will be very difficult for him to come [to the Euros]."