The Real Madrid goalkeeper was set for a switch to Old Trafford last summer as David De Gea was on course to head the opposite way.
But a fax machine stopped the deal being processed as Madrid failed to get their paperwork finalised before the transfer deadline.
As a result, Navas stayed put at the La Liga giants while De Gea went on to pen a new four-year deal at United.
The silver lining for the Costa Rican shot-stopper was his success at the Bernabeu last season, adding a Champions League medal to his accolades.
But frustration was admittedly the overriding emotion less than a year ago for 29-year-old Navas.
“It’s not good when something like that happens but I’m not someone who is always looking back and I don’t bear any grudges,” Navas told Spanish newspaper Marca.
“All I saw was that God had given me the chance to fulfil my dream, which was to play another year with Los Blancos and win titles.
“I was enjoying it all La Liga games, the Champions League. I’m extremely grateful to everyone who has helped me here.
“The night of August 31 was a bitter pill I had to swallow but it’s already forgotten and everything is lovely.”
Navas is not expected to have to undergo any similar torment this summer though under Zinedine Zidane.
Sources say Madrid have opted against pursuing Red Devils star De Gea, with president Florentino Perez having told United they do not intend to sign the keeper.
Zidane is happy with Navas between the sticks, especially after their Champions League glory against rivals Atletico Madrid.
Spain keeper De Gea will return to Old Trafford after Euro 2016 with his future secure at United under new boss and former Madrid manager Jose Mourinho
