A Manchester United legend has admitted his club were ‘dead’ and named the one man who has helped turn the sinking ship around at the perfect time of the season
15:16, 27 Mar 2026
David de Gea
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David de Gea's Manchester United career ended in a disappointing note(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Manchester United legend David De Gea credited one man for turning around the sinking ship he found himself on.
The Spanish goalkeeper left Old Trafford after 12 years and 545 games at the end of his contract in 2023. Having failed to immediately find the perfect destination for his next club as a free agent, De Gea went on a sabbatical before returning in 2024 at Serie A side Fiorentina.
His first season in Florence was a success as he put in Man of the Match displays reminiscent of his best years at Old Trafford to help La Viola finish in a Conference League spot.
Manchester United legend David De Gea has sent a heartfelt message to Jordi Alba
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De Gea has revived his career at Fiorentina(Image: (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images))
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However, Fiorentina started this season terribly. Under Stefano Pioli, La Viola failed to win any of their opening 11 league games, drawing just four. But the tide has turned in Florence following the appointment of Paolo Vanoli.
The former Torino boss has guided Fiorentina outside of the relegation places thanks to just one defeat in seven Serie A matches. Fiorentina are also still in the Conference League quarter-final where they face Crystal Palace.
Lauding Vanoli’s work since arriving at the Artemio Franchi Stadium, De Gea explained the upturn in form: "New players have arrived and given us energy, but the coach's great work must be emphasised, “De Gea said.
Paolo Vanoli
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Paolo Vanoli has been credited for turning Fiorentina's season around
“We were dead, it was a desperate situation, and Vanoli brought us back to life. And Paratici is very present: he loves talking to us and following our training sessions. He's doing a great job. I also thank Ferrari, the club, and Goretti, who have been supportive."
De Gea returned to football reenergised after a year out with Fiorentina, on his decision to wait for the perfect opportunity, the Spaniard said: "It was an easy decision. After 12 years at United, I needed a break, so I took a year off to dedicate to my family and friends: it was the best year of my life.
David De Gea
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De Gea received a warm welcome back to Old Trafford by United fans in a pre-season friendly(Image: Getty Images)
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“But I continued to train with a coach, Craig, who was very supportive and did a great job with me. I was sure I could compete at a high level again.
“When Fiorentina called me, I was ready. The first time I walked into Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park, I was speechless: there aren't many facilities like it in Europe."
De Gea has made 79 appearances to date for Fiorentina and he could end the season by helping the club to climb the table as high as possible, and even a European medal if they go all the way to the final in Leipzig.