David De Gea aspires to be Manchester United 'legend'

The atmosphere around Manchester United is drastically different today than it was last summer, as talks about David De Gea's future at the club are focused on his long-term impact rather than an exit from Old Trafford.

With his failed move to Real Madrid in the rearview mirror, De Gea, who signed a new four-year contract in September, is setting his sights on reaching the legendary status of his predecessors, Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar.

"I'm happy, I'm enjoying it and I believe in the team," De Gea told Sky Sports. "They were the greatest goalkeepers in the Premier League, they are legends for this club and that is what I want.

"I train every day to be the best goalkeeper in the world, that is my aim. I'm not sure who the best is now, but it's what I want. Also, to win trophies for Manchester United."

De Gea's change of heart comes less than a year after a move to the Santiago Bernabeu appeared imminent. However, a series of administrative mistakes prevented the deal from being completed before the deadline.

Related: The mysterious paperwork: A timeline of the David De Gea transfer fiasco

He was held out of several matches by manager Louis van Gaal as the transfer saga continued. But, once the transfer fell apart, De Gea reclaimed his starting duties against Liverpool in September in front of surprisingly adoring United supporters, who seemingly disregarded reports suggesting he demanded a transfer away from the club.

"I cannot describe how I felt in that moment," he said about the reception he received from United fans. "In another country, at another club, the fans would not be the same as at Manchester United. They are some of the best in the world, it was unbelievable."

De Gea has played a major role in United's impressive defensive record, registering seven clean sheets in 17 matches.