De Gea set for timely Man Utd return with Amorim facing key transfer decision
Manchester United ditched David de Gea and spent £47million to sign Andre Onana as his replacement in 2023 and two years later that decision is looking questionable
Manchester United will get a glimpse at their goalkeeping past this summer, with David de Gea poised to return to Old Trafford. United have struggled to replace De Gea since he left two years ago, after he spent 12 years between the posts for the club, and his return could serve to highlight their inadequacy in the position.
Erik ten Hag chose to release De Gea and sign Andre Onana for £47million in the summer of 2023 as the Spaniard's replacement. It was a big call by the former United boss, who worked with Onana at Ajax and was convinced he was the right player to fill De Gea's boots.
The Spaniard made 545 appearances for United, spending a decade as the club's first-choice goalkeeper and winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and two Carabao Cups. He went through ups and downs during his time as United's No.1 but Onana's struggles in the past few seasons have strengthened his legacy.
Now 34, De Gea is playing for Fiorentina, where he has made a brilliant start with the Italian side and earned rave reviews, helping them finish sixth in Serie A while reaching the semi-finals of the Conference League. Many United fans have noted his performances with jealousy – and they will soon get to see their former star in person.
Having embarked on an ill-fated post-season tour to Malaysia and Hong Kong, United will soon be playing pre-season matches. They begin their pre-season against Leeds in Stockholm on July 19 before flying over to the Untied States for games against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton.
Ruben Amorim's side will then return to Old Trafford to play Fiorentina on August 9 before the Premier League begins again on August 16. That match against Fiorentina will see De Gea return to his old stomping ground, where he is sure to get a warm reception from United supporters.
Who will be in goal for United that day remains unclear, with the club being urged to move on from Onana. The club have been linked with Aston Villa star Emi Martinez and Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma following another patchy campaign from Onana.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Manchester United sell Andre Onana this summer? Comment below.
The Cameroon international kept just nine clean sheets in 34 Premier League games as United came 15th. Amorim dropped him for Altay Bayindir after two shocking errors in the 2-2 draw against Lyon in April and his future is therefore uncertain.
However, it seems Onana could survive the cull this summer, simply because United have bigger fish to fry. The club have already agreed to shell out £62.5m to sign Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and have also offered £50m to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
While United are open to offers for any of their players, upgrading in goal is not considered to be as important as other positions. United are still hopeful that former Inter Milan and Ajax star Onana can rediscover his best form while they focus their spending power elsewhere.
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