Relegated Sheffield United therefore pounced in the summer when the necessity for a fresh number one arose. With six clean sheets in seven Championship games and just one goal conceded, Cooper has also had an incredible start to life at Bramall Lane.

The employees at Home Park and Plymouth Argyle supporters will have silently hoped he could continue playing at that level while wearing their colours, but he went on with their best wishes.

Additionally, the Pilgrims may enjoy a “substantial” windfall in the future after receiving their initial £2 million.

Speaking to Plymouth Live, Plymouth Argyle director of football Neil Dewsnip has said a sizeable amount will come the club’s way if Cooper hits certain targets at Sheffield United. He said: “I think the fans are aware of that and we did everything we could to try to keep him. “If he hits certain targets we will get a substantial amount of money further down the line. That’s still not what we wanted as our main aim; we wanted Michael in goal but he was of a mindset to move on.”

The right time?

Cooper was a valuable player for Plymouth Argyle, but most people would agree that it was time for him to go on to more exciting opportunities.

The custodian is currently the top player at Sheffield United and is a strong candidate for promotion, even though he may not have made the transfer to the Premier League as many had predicted. Additionally, he has been instrumental in building a very potent backline at Bramall Lane.

Because of this, it’s possible that the Pilgrims Academy alumnus will soon be pushing himself to the limit of the game. Cooper most definitely possesses the talent to succeed; it’s only a matter of waiting for the right opportunity.

In his place

Prior to an injury earlier in the season, Conor Hazard—who filled in for Cooper when he was hurt—seemed to have the starting spot at Plymouth Argyle secured down.

Following his arrival from Blackpool, Daniel Grimshaw was thrown into the spotlight due to the injury to the former Celtic player, and he has made an excellent first impression.

When Hazard returns to action, Wayne Rooney will have a serious dilemma selecting his starting custodian.