It remains to be seen i Andre Onana wil retain his place long-term. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Whenever Andre Onana adds to his lengthy catalogue of calamitous mistakes, David de Gea’s name is almost instantaneously on fans’ lips.
The Spaniard’s exit in 2023 was one that hugely divided the fanbase. Some were relieved to see him depart following a tumultuous final season, while others were keen to stay loyal to a longstanding servant and allow him the time to reignite the best version of himself.
It was reported at the time that the Manchester United board had made De Gea a new contract proposal on reduced terms, which he was ready to sign, before pulling the offer entirely and opting to release him, with Erik ten Hag keen to bolster his ranks with a new addition between the sticks.
United proceeded to fork out a whopping £47.9 million to sign Onana from Inter Milan, which saw him add an increase to the list of Ten Hag-coached players at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, De Gea opted to take a full year away from the limelight in the aftermath of his controversial exit.
He made his long-awaited return to competitive football in August last year, signing for Serie A outfit Fiorentina as a free agent. The 34-year-old has enjoyed a stellar season up to this stage, which has frequently caught the eyes of the United faithful.
De Gea’s teammate, Albert Gudmundsson, was in disbelief that United left the shot-stopper to leave for nothing.
United told it was ‘absurd’ to let De Gea depart
“It’s absurd that Manchester United decided to let go of someone like him,” said the Fiorentina star, via Tuttomercatoweb.
“He’s a great guy, a very humble person with whom I talk about everything. On top of that, he played eleven years in the Premier League, winning numerous titles.
“He’s the best goalkeeper I’ve ever played with in my career, and it’s amazing to share the pitch with him. We’re talking about a top player.”
