Former Manchester City goalkeeper Tony Coton feels he helped Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel reach his potential.
Coton's £500,000 move across Manchester from City to Manchester United in 1996 prompted an angry fan backlash.
He told the Sunday Mirror: "I never wanted to leave City, but I was one of the players they forced out. Sir Alex Ferguson told me he needed someone to put some pressure on Peter Schmeichel.
"Kevin Pilkington was a very good prospect, but wasn't ready for the first team, and Sir Alex felt he needed a senior keeper who Peter had respect for.
"It was a masterstroke.
"Peter really raised his game. I was there from January until the end of the season, and he didn't put a glove wrong. There was one Schmeichel performance in a big game at Newcastle that was absolutely incredible. We won 1-0, reeled in Newcastle to win the Premier League title, and also lifted the FA Cup. If it can work for Peter Schmeichel then it will definitely work for Joe Hart."