From 2011 until 2023, the Spaniard made 545 appearances for United.
David De Gea would “consider” a move to Manchester United, according to a former Spain international, following reports of the goalkeeper’s surprising return to Old Trafford.
To the dismay of many fans, De Gea left United in the summer of 2023 after the club declined to offer him a new contract.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper, who played 545 games for the Reds between 2011 and 2023, spent a year on the sidelines as a free agent before signing with Serie A club Fiorentina in August last year.
“I received many offers but I wanted to play in Italy,” he told me. “The deal was straightforward, and Fiorentina were the best option. Many people wanted to see me back to action, which is a positive sign.
He would shortly make his first competitive appearance in 446 days when the Italians faced Hungarian side Puskas Akademia in the Europa Conference League.
De Gea was replaced by Andre Onana in July 2023, but the Cameroonian international soon lost his number one job due to a string of high-profile blunders and has since been loaned out to Turkish club Trabzonspor.
United just recruited Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp as an additional custodian option, but they have been linked with a bid for De Gea.
According to The Sun, they conducted ‘hush-hush checks’ on a return for the Spaniard, who is reported to have made ‘a good impression’ during his pre-season friendly at Old Trafford.
Gaizka Mendieta, a former Spain international, believes the seasoned shot-stopper will return to United.
“I would have liked David de Gea to stay for sure, 100 per cent,” according to him. “I am sure he would have preferred to stay as well. Then the sabbatical year would not have occurred.
“He came back, moved to Italy, and became the best custodian in the Italian league. So that tells you what kind of custodian he is. He is still regarded as one of Italy’s and possibly the world’s top goalkeepers. Even though it is difficult to compare different competitions.
“To go back to Manchester United? I’m confident he’d consider it. He was extremely happy there, and he liked being at a team like United. But he’s also content where he is now.
De Gea stands with a framed portrait before Manchester United’s pre-season friendly match against Fiorentina on August 9, 2025. Mendieta stated, “I think it was a rushed move away from United even if they wanted a change, they needed to have a good replacement.” Image credit: Getty.
David de Gea has made his emotions clear on Manchester United after leaving.
Speaking after United’s pre-season friendly against Fiorentina this summer, De Gea hinted that he would cross paths with United fans again.
“A magical moment for me and my family to return to Old Trafford—my home,” he wrote in a social media post. “From the bottom of my heart — I want to say thank you for the reception — for all the love you showed me.”
He went on to say, “To the fans who have never stopped supporting me throughout my time at this club.” Our paths may cross again. “We have seen it all.”
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