That’s according to former United goalkeeper coach Frans Hoek, who’s lifted the lid on the discussions which took place at the time.
David De Gea is widely regarded as one of the world’s top stoppers and that reputation has grown thanks to seasons of top performances at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard could have been doing the business for Real instead though had a deadline day move not been prevented by fax machine issues three years ago.
Hoek, who was United goalkeeper coach under Louis van Gaal, has now spoken about the chats he had with De Gea as Real were eyeing him up.
“I had an open discussion with David, who was always honest and realistic, and the conclusion was that it was better to leave him out until the moment his situation was clear because the situation was influencing David at that moment,” Hoek told the Manchester Evening News.
“David has always been open in the communication about that possible move.
“We discussed that openly and the fact it had failed to happen.
“I felt he knew exactly what was going on and switched immediately again to his current situation.”
De Gea returned to the Manchester United starting XI after his Real switch failed to materialise and went on to sign a new contract.
The 27-year-old is currently tied down for another 12 months beyond the summer and United are keen to extend his stay further.
Real are said to be targeting De Gea with wholesale changes set to take place at the Bernabeu in the summer.
But Jose Mourinho was dismissive that a move could happen, saying: “No chance” when the prospect was put to him on Friday.
