Phil Jones believes Manchester United erred by parting ways with David de Gea
The story of Manchester United and David de Gea has been filled with twists in recent years. When the club decided not to offer him a new contract in July 2023, it came as an emotional blow for many supporters. Over 12 years at Old Trafford, the Spaniard guarded the posts with distinction, making 545 appearances and recording 190 clean sheets. His legacy is not just measured in numbers but also in countless moments where he pulled off impossible saves to rescue the team.
However, under Erik ten Hag’s system, a goalkeeper’s ability with the ball at his feet became a crucial requirement. That tactical demand ultimately led the club to part ways with De Gea and invest heavily in André Onana, who arrived from Inter Milan to take over as United’s new No. 1.
Phil Jones’ opinion and old memories
A report by Metro revealed that former United defender Phil Jones still believes David de Gea could be a great option for Manchester United. Jones recalled that when the Spaniard first arrived, his debut season was very difficult, but he quickly silenced critics with his performances. According to Jones, De Gea’s presence gave the entire team confidence that the goal was secure.
Even when mistakes made headlines, the 34-year-old would answer with a brilliant save the very next time he stepped onto the pitch. For Jones, this resilience was De Gea’s greatest strength, his ability to remain unaffected by outside noise. He even compared De Gea’s mentality to elite names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Jude Bellingham, describing him as a player capable of regaining rhythm in any situation. Such comments highlight why De Gea continues to hold a special place in the hearts of United fans.
Phil Jones believes Manchester United erred by parting ways with David de Gea .
The decision to let De Gea leave in July 2023 was a complex one
‘David de Gea had a really tough first season at the club when he first came in – really tough. There were a few mistakes in there, but after that, he was just terrific for the club… everything about him, from his performances to his charisma, was just through the roof.
‘He was such a pivotal player for us during my time with the club. To be honest, I still think he’d be top drawer for United today.
‘He wouldn’t look out of place at all. He’s the kind of player who – in a nice way – just didn’t care about all the noise around him. When you’re playing for Man United, or any of those top clubs, you have to have a bit of that about you.
‘He’d make mistakes, and they’d hit the headlines because of the size of the club, but it never affected him.
‘You know, he’d just go on and make save after save in the next game, and pull something special out of nowhere.
‘There aren’t many players like that; he’s up there with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham in that respect; all of those top players have this ability to just not care about all of the noise.’
Were United wrong to let him leave?
Letting David de Gea go was a difficult but ultimately necessary decision. His shot-stopping ability was never in doubt, but the changing demands of modern football exposed his weaknesses. Under Erik ten Hag, ball distribution from the goalkeeper was essential, and De Gea consistently struggled in that area. Contract negotiations further complicated matters, as the club and player failed to agree on a pay cut. For some supporters, his departure felt undignified, with many believing the club could have handled the exit of a loyal servant better. De Gea himself recently spoke out, making it clear that the decision was beyond his control.
Manchester United have since moved in a new direction by signing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp in a deal worth £18.2 million (via The Athletic). The Belgian is highly rated for his ability on the ball, comfortable with both feet and confident in build-up play. However, his experience remains limited, and adapting to the speed and physicality of the Premier League will be a major challenge. It is understandable that some fans are questioning whether he can deliver consistent performances at the highest level.
At the same time, there lingers a feeling that, if given another chance, De Gea could still have been a valuable option for the squad. His name was even linked with a surprise return this summer, rekindling hope among supporters who admired his contributions over the years. For now, though, only time will tell whether United have chosen the right path in this new era of goalkeeping at Old Trafford.