Manchester United defender Harry Maguire feels vindicated by staying at the club this summer.
The England centre half had the chance to join West Ham United in a big money deal.
However, Maguire chose to stay and fight for his place under Erik ten Hag, despite being on the bench for much of last season.
After a 1-0 win over Luton Town, Maguire said: "Of course [vindication]. I obviously played a few games last year, 16 or 17 I think it was - starts. And I actually felt like I performed really well in the games that I played in, I just didn't play as many as I would have liked.
"But, on the other hand, Rapha and Licha (Martinez) were playing brilliantly and keeping numerous clean sheets so I had to bide my time, I had to be patient.
"I had two or three opportunities last year to get a run of games in and actually broke down with illness, broke down twice with injuries. So I never got the rhythm, never got the run of games that I could prove myself to the manager. I've got that now.
"I played the last I don't know how many games and I really enjoy my football and really enjoy playing for this club. So, yeah, I was willing to stay and fight for my place.
"We've got, I believe, four or five top international centre-backs at the club and the competition for places is really hard."