David Onana has had his opportunities. Against Ipswich, United’s first goalkeeper again showed weaknesses. This season – and incidentally also last – English media have reported that Manchester United are actively in the market to find the right goalkeeper, a worthy successor to David de Gea. How about just as well to bring back the original?
Okay, De Gea also had his blunders, but he left Manchester United, in the summer of 2023, as the Premier League’s best goalkeeper. He also left the Red Devils with 190 games without a back-to-back, the most in United history. When Ten Hag started to show he wanted a new first goalkeeper, De Gea responded by bending his neck, fighting on and delivering as the league’s best goalkeeper this season.
After an extended stay without a club, De Gea signed with Fiorentina in August 2024. After 26 games, the 34-year-old is considered one of Serie A’s best goalkeepers by far and a strong contributor to Fiorentina still fighting for a Champions League ticket in Serie A. Not bad after considering quitting!
In the summer, his contract with Fiorentina will expire, if De Gea is not ready for an extension. According to The Athletic, De Gea told friends after his exit from Old Trafford that he was open to returning to Manchester United if Erik ten Hag and boss John Murtough were away from the club.
Both are history at United, this means that one of Europe’s still best goalkeepers can return to Manchester as a free agent, and thus the most affordable goalkeeper candidate (has also lowered salary expectations since last time).
For United, a David de Gea signing will also involve the least risk. The 34-year-old knows and loves the pace and intensity of the Premier League, while his performances over 25 games at Fiorentina show a continuity of top performances.
For us, seen against United’s heavily strained financial situation, this makes perfect sense to bring De Gea home.
