diff --git a/src/core/window.c b/src/core/window.c
index 258dc1f9a..98306291c 100644
--- a/src/core/window.c
+++ b/src/core/window.c
@@ -7943,9 +7943,10 @@ meta_window_set_transient_for (MetaWindow *window,
 
       timestamp =
         meta_display_get_current_time_roundtrip (window->display);
-      meta_window_unmanage (window, timestamp);
+      meta_window_delete (window, timestamp);
       return;
     }
+
   /* We know this won't create a reference cycle because we check for loops */
   g_clear_object (&window->transient_for);
   window->transient_for = parent ? g_object_ref (parent) : NULL;