Sunday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at Old Trafford is set to mark a landmark occasion in David de Gea's Manchester United career.
The Spaniard, who has started every game for the Reds so far this season, will make his 500th appearance for the club against the Magpies. He joined United back in 2011, making the switch from Atletico Madrid as a raw 20-year-old.
He initially joined United on a five-year contract, becoming Edwin van der Sar's long-term successor. At the time, he was the second-most expensive goalkeeper of all-time, joining the Reds for £18.9million.
On completing the signing of De Gea, who has so far won seven trophies during his Old Trafford career, former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Replacing Edwin van der Sar is very difficult; he was a great goalkeeper. But the benefit we have with De Gea is that he is only 20.
"The qualities that stood out for us are his great composure and use of the ball. He is quick and agile, which is something we banked on. When we assessed him I thought he was the right goalkeeper to take."
On reflection, more than a decade on, Ferguson could be questioned for specifically praising De Gea's use of the ball. While there has never been too many grave concerns about the Spaniard's shot-stopping abilities, his credentials with the ball at his feet have often come under fire.
The 31-year-old has often been criticised for not being good enough in possession and being too often glued to his line, opposed to being proactive with the ball and trying to kick-start attacks, just as so many goalkeepers, particularly at a high level, are expected to do nowadays. For instance, across the city, Manchester City shot-stopper Ederson is often considered as an 11th outfield player, his quality with the ball is so good and effective.
That, though, has never been De Gea's style. His job, as is the primary aim for any goalkeeper, has always been to try and keep the ball out of United's net.
However, under Erik ten Hag, United have the challenge of becoming more proactive and forward-thinking, meaning there is an expectancy for De Gea to drift away from his line and get on the ball by distributing it to one of United's defenders and build an attack from the back. Against Everton at Goodison Park last weekend, for the first time, we saw instances where the former Atletico Madrid was prepared to get on the ball and be more cute and clever with his distribution.
It was a different side to his game that had not been present before and he did a good job of what he was trying to achieve, particularly in the first half when he provided a pass, taking Anthony Gordon and Neal Maupay out of the game, that, a few seconds later, almost led to United scoring.
With his contract up at the end of this season, although United do have the option to extend his stay by a further year, De Gea, you would imagine, will need to produce more of the same to stand any chance of being considered in Ten Hag's long-term plans. Considering he is only 31, the Spaniard, as a goalkeeper, still has plenty of years left in the tank to continue as his manager's first-choice option between the sticks.
If he continues to be proactive with the ball and use it wisely, proving Ferguson right that he can be clever and effective when in possession, it could be enough to secure him a new deal. Dean Henderson has risked burning all bridges with United because of his recent comments about the club, meaning De Gea could be in a healthy position to remain Ten Hag's favoured option in goal.