The legendary Sir Alex Ferguson was brought out of the drying loft even though he no longer has an official position at Manchester United to make it more exciting for old players to go to Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson told David de Gea he was always welcome back, for 12 years Manchester was the Spanish goalkeeper’s home, and “that’s how it will always be! – this is where you have your family”
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Manchester United consider spectacular return for David de Gea
Manchester United are conducting discreet enquiries about a possible return for club legend David de Gea, just days after the goalkeeper gave fans a mysterious hint that their “paths may cross again”.
Current Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been reluctant to promise any player the first-choice spot as a goalkeeper this season.
There have been intense conversations with the world’s best goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after he was surprisingly made redundant by most at Paris Saint-Germain. – Donnarumma will probably end up at Manchester City and with that the goalkeeper problem for Ruben Amorim continues.
Secret negotiations for De Gea’s return
The Redskins have been tipped off that the Spaniard (34) has a clause in his contract with Fiorentina that allows him to leave the club for a relatively small sum.
Discreet background conversations are now underway, after De Gea made a good impression during his return to Old Trafford in a friendly at the weekend – hinting to fans about a possible future reunion.
Uncertainty about the goalkeeper position before the Arsenal match
Ahead of the season opener against Arsenal later this Sunday at Old Trafford, manager Ruben Amorim has left André Onana unsure if he will be the first goalkeeper this season.
Amorim stated:
“It’s like with the other players. Everyone has to fight for their place. I’m not going to say if anyone is number one.”
David de Gea’s Manchester United history and comeback
De Gea made 545 appearances for United between 2011 and 2023, placing him as the seventh winningest player in the club’s history.
However, a dip in form and contract disputes led to his departure from the club, with former manager Erik ten Hag signing Onana from Inter Milan for £43.8 million.
After being clubless for the entire 2023/24 season, De Gea has rediscovered his form and motivation at Fiorentina.
Payroll situation and possible return
United must ideally allow either Onana (29) or reserve goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to leave the club in order to free up salary capacity. But if De Gea can be signed for a low enough sum, there could still be room for him.
During the friendly match between United and Fiorentina (1-1), De Gea was presented with a framed photo of his former teammate Bruno Fernandes.
On Instagram afterwards, De Gea wrote:
“A magical moment for me and my family to come back to Old Trafford – my home. From the bottom of my heart: thank you for the reception and all the love you showed me. To the fans who never stopped supporting me throughout my years at the club. Our paths can cross again.”
Onana’s situation and competition
Cameroonian international goalkeeper Onana is expected to start against Arsenal on Sunday, despite missing the entire pre-season due to injury.
United have been linked with several goalkeepers this summer, which has sparked speculation that Onana could be replaced. Among the names mentioned are Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Botafogo’s John Victor.
However, Amorim showed confidence in Onana during difficult periods last year, and no new goalkeeper has been brought in this summer.
The Portuguese manager added:
“He is ready for the game. We’ll have to wait. You’ll find out on Sunday. As a coach, I think that both I and the players from last year can do better. I have complete confidence in that.”
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Bayindir (27) was expected to be sold this summer, but has ended up as a backup goalkeeper throughout United’s unbeaten pre-season. Antwerp’s Senne Lammens (23) was on United’s list, but he is now in talks with Inter.
