Kieran Trippier won the La Liga title this season, but winning the European Championship was ultimately a step too far.
Much was made of Gareth Southgate's choice to include an array of right-backs in his provisional England squad before this summer's tournament and Trippier was perhaps a surprise inclusion in the final team submitted by the Three Lions boss for Euro 2020.
That's quite an interesting statement to make considering Trippier enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Spain with Atletico Madrid, but it's a testament to the quality England have in that position, with Kyle Walker and Reece James, for example, among such players.
Such is Trippier's versatility and tactical awareness, though, he was entrusted to start at left-back ahead of Manchester United's Luke Shaw in the opening game of Euro 2020 against Croatia and Southgate's decision was vindicated when England won that clash.
After that game, Trippier featured off the bench in England's stylish and emphatic 4-0 win over Ukraine in the quarter-finals before receiving the nod from Southgate to make the starting XI in the biggest game of his career in the final against Italy at Wembley.
Trippier has become one of Southgate's most trusted lieutenants since the England boss' appointment and he provided the nation with a moment they'll never forget in the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Russia when scoring a superbly struck free-kick.
It was therefore rather poetic, but mostly unsurprising, that Trippier was the provider of England's opening goal against Italy on Sunday night, receiving the ball on the right flank before taking a moment to expertly spot Shaw's brilliant, late run into the box.
The Bury-born lad then played an exquisite cross into Shaw's path and the quality finish was fitting of such a beautiful sweeping move, while the link-up between the pair also teased a glimpse of what life could be like at Old Trafford if United secured his signature.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign a new right-back this summer to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Trippier has sent a timely reminder to a British audience at Wembley - after his season away in Spain - just why United are so keen to sign him.
Because it wasn't just the assist that Trippier contributed, as despite leaving the field to make way for Bukayo Saka with 20 minutes of normal time to go, the former Tottenham man offered advice and support as his teammates bravely stepped up to take penalties.
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However, we learn more about people through adversity than good times and success, and when 19-year-old Saka's penalty was saved, Trippier was notably seen consoling his crestfallen England teammates - United know he's the kind of character they need.
Trippier would bring experience, tactical awareness, a hunger for silverware and an incredible personality to Solskjaer's United side.
He would arguably become the best 'deputy' right-back in the league if joining United and could end his career at Old Trafford.
