Why is David De Gea's return to Old Trafford considered bittersweet?

De Gea, Manchester United's former goalkeeper, will make his first return to Old Trafford since his acrimonious departure from the club in 2023. While fans are expected to give him a warm reception, the decision to replace him with Andre Onana has been met with some regret.

How did Manchester United players react to the sacking of manager Erik Ten Hag in 2024?

The news of Ten Hag's dismissal drew mixed reactions from United players, with several, including Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo, expressing gratitude for the opportunities he had provided them. However, David De Gea appeared to celebrate the manager's departure with a cryptic social media post.

What was the nature of David De Gea's departure from Manchester United in 2023?

De Gea's exit from Manchester United in 2023 was described as "acrimonious," suggesting the circumstances surrounding his departure were not amicable or well-received by the club or its supporters.

Home / Sports / Controversial Goalkeeper's Bittersweet Farewell to Manchester United

Controversial Goalkeeper's Bittersweet Farewell to Manchester United

8 Aug

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Summary

David de Gea to return to Old Trafford after acrimonious 2023 departure
Fans expected to give De Gea a warm reception, despite United's decision to replace him
Ten Hag's sacking in 2024 met with mixed reactions from players

Controversial Goalkeeper's Bittersweet Farewell to Manchester United

On Saturday, August 12th, 2025, former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea will make his return to Old Trafford for a friendly match against Fiorentina. This will be De Gea's first visit to the stadium since his acrimonious departure from the club in the summer of 2023.

Despite the controversial nature of his exit, United fans are expected to give the Spanish goalkeeper a warm reception, as he was widely regarded as one of the club's greatest players during his time there. The decision to replace De Gea with Andre Onana in 2023 has been met with some revisionism, with many supporters now feeling that the club should have kept the veteran shot-stopper.

The news of De Gea's return comes just over a year after Manchester United sacked their former manager, Erik ten Hag, in October 2024. The Dutchman's dismissal was met with a mixed reaction from his players, with several expressing their gratitude for the opportunities he had provided them, despite the team's struggles in his final months in charge.

Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo all paid tribute to Ten Hag, acknowledging the good times they had shared together, even as the team's performances had declined. However, one former United player, David de Gea, appeared to celebrate the manager's departure, posting a cryptic emoji on social media shortly after the announcement.

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