Sir Alex Ferguson presented David de Gea with an award before Manchester United's game against West Ham - over 12 years since the Scotsman missed a game to scout the goalkeeper.
The former Red Devils boss didn't attend a League Cup match against Scunthorpe United in September 2010 as he decided to go and watch De Gea instead. The Spaniard was playing for Atletico Madrid against Valencia.
United ran out comfortable 5-2 winners at Glanford Park in Ferguson's absence, with a Michael Owen brace and goals from Darren Gibson, Ji-Sung Park and Chris Smalling sealing their progression. Meanwhile, De Gea impressed but conceded twice as his Atletico side were held to a 2-2 draw at the Mestalla.
Nine months later, Ferguson decided to sign De Gea for £18.9million after Edwin van der Sar retired from professional football following a successful six years at Old Trafford. It was a transfer that raised some eyebrows at the time, given De Gea had played less than 100 first-team senior matches in his career.
However, it is safe to say Ferguson's decision has paid off as De Gea has been one of the best goalkeepers in world football for the last decade. In actual fact, De Gea has missed just 41 Premier League matches in 11 and a half seasons, showing his consistency and ability to stay fit and in form on a regular basis.
Before the Red Devils' clash with West Ham in the FA Cup, De Gea was presented with an award for breaking the record for the most clean sheets in United's history. He has kept 181 shut outs in 523 matches - an average of just under one every three matches dating back to his debut under Ferguson.
Ferguson was pitch-side to hand De Gea his trophy - three days after breaking the feat with a shut-out as the Red Devils beat Newcastle 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final. The pair exchanged a few words before having a number of photos together as De Gea prepared for his latest challenge with United keen to progress in another cup competition.
As for De Gea, he has been in sensational form as of late and conceded just once in three matches before the game against West Ham. He made a handful of excellent saves in the 3-0 win over Leicester last Sunday, including one world-class stop from Kelechi Iheanacho.
Ten Hag has also made United a lot more solid defensively this season with the additions of Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, which has only helped De Gea to have less work to do in goal. But when he has been called upon, the Spaniard has been terrific.
During his 12 years at Old Trafford, De Gea has won one Premier League title, one FA Cup title, a Europa League and two Carabao Cups.
