JUAN MATA said yesterday that he expects his Spain and Manchester United teammate David de Gea to remain professional, despite the disappointment of his failed move to Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who has not featured for United this season, was the subject of a bid from hometown club Real on Monday, but the deal fell through due to a miscommunication.

De Gea has linked up with the Spain squad 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 Spanish sports paper Diario AS. “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 the main Spanish football paper 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).”

De Gea has made five appearances for reigning European champions Spain, whose first-choice stopper remains Porto’s 162-time international Iker Casillas, formerly of Real Madrid.