Mata backs teammate De Gea to bounce back after failed transfer

David de Gea's teammate Mata on Wednesday backed the goalkeeper to overcome the disappointment of his failed transfer to Madrid.

"He seems the same as ever to me, calm and relaxed, even though it has been a crazy few days for him," said Mata at a conference of the Spanish national team.

Everything seemed set for De Gea to return to Spain on Monday only for his transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid to fall through as the Spanish club failed to complete the paperwork in time.

The failure of the move now leaves De Gea in an awkward situation at Old Trafford after he had failed to play in the first six games of the season as coach Louis Van Gaal commented the keeper had been distracted by the ongoing transfer saga.

The youngster was rumored to be distraught after the deal collapsed, but received a vote of support from his teammate.

Mata said he would offer De Gea his support, but insisted that the goalkeeper was "focused on the two upcoming games for the national team," and adding that the experience would help him through a difficult period,

The attacking midfielder described De Gea as "a professional ... His personality will help him. He manages to play even better in moments of maximum pressure and stress. His personality will help him on and off the pitch," said Mata.

Manchester United released a communique on Tuesday insisting the club was pleased to still have De Gea in their squad and Mata backed him to quickly return to form with United.

"His hunger and professionalism are intact. We all know what a great goalkeeper he is and he would make any team in the world better. The fans will get behind him and so will the team," he concluded. Endit