Many, including manager Sir Alex Ferguson, doubted that Smith - a lifelong Leeds fan - would carry out the £7m transfer to their Pennine rivals.
The 24-year-old looked back, however, and with the support of his parents, the manner in which he was told to leave left him with no doubts whatsoever.
"I did everything I could for Leeds. But as the season drew to a close I saw a different side to the game. Prior to that I had just enjoyed playing for my local team - a team I cared about.
"Then it became obvious they needed to get some money in. Leeds had paid nothing for me because I came through the academy ranks, so they knew whatever fee they received would be pure profit.
"Once money came into it from their point of view, it was difficult to accept."