David De Gea has voiced his pride at wearing the Manchester United captain's armband for the first time, less than a month after he almost joined Real Madrid.
De Gea, 24, nearly left for Madrid at the end of the transfer window in a £29 million move, but the deadline-day deal fell through and the goalkeeper has since signed a new four-year contract at Old Trafford.
When skipper Wayne Rooney came off for the final nine minutes of Wednesday's 3-0 Capital One Cup win over Ipswich Town, the armband went to De Gea.
Vice-captain Michael Carrick did not play against the Championship team while Chris Smalling -- third in line to captain United -- had already been replaced, leading to a memorable moment for De Gea.
"Great win yesterday! Let's think about our next rivals and keep improving. I'm proud to wear this armband," he wrote on Twitter.
Great win yesterday! Let's think about our next rivals and keep improving. I'm proud to wear this armband! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/gduqspyh4a
- David De Gea (@D_DeGea) September 24, 2015
Rooney scored United's opening goal before teenagers Andreas Pereira and Anthony Martial sealed the victory.
And Pereira thanked teammate Juan Mata for allowing him to take the free kick from which he scored, as his first United start turned into a wonderful occasion for the 19-year-old midfielder.
"I asked Juan for the ball and he gave it to me," the Brazil under-20 international told MUTV. "We've been practising together and he trusted me.
Scoring my first goal as a first team @ManUtd player at the Stretford End was amazing! Thanks for all of the support. pic.twitter.com/PWN3sbTtSc
- Andreas Pereira (@andrinhopereira) September 23, 2015
"It's very special for me to score my first goal, a free kick at the Stretford End as well. It's just like a dream come true. I'm very happy for my family, for impressing my manager and doing well for my club."