Manchester United fans finally got to give David de Gea the send-off he deserved as the legendary goalkeeper returned to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils beat Fiorentina via a penalty shootout on Saturday to end this summer’s pre-season preparations.
David de Gea was excellent at Old Trafford as the 34-year-old returned to the stadium he called home for 12 years.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes joked with De Gea before the match, and prior to kick-off the Portuguese playmaker awarded him with a parting gift after he was denied a proper send-off in 2023.
David de Gea’s Fiorentina gave United a real test just one week before Ruben Amorim’s side begin their Premier League campaign against Arsenal. From what he saw, De Gea is hoping for big things in 2025/26.
David de Gea applauds Manchester United fans on his return to Old Trafford.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
David de Gea looking forward to ‘new era’ under Ruben Amorim
De Gea was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson at United, but went on to play under several managers during his 12-year stint at Old Trafford.
Under new ownership and with Amorim now at the helm, United are at the start of a new rebuild and hopefully a new, successful chapter.
After the Fiorentina clash on Saturday, De Gea backed his former club to return to “where they deserve” in English football.
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"Hopefully they can do something big this year"
Former Man United goalkeeper David de Gea on his old side's chances of success next season 🔴 pic.twitter.com/bKQOU82K2J
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 10, 2025
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“I know it’s been some years at United where they have struggled a bit, but this is one of the best clubs in the world,” De Gea said.
“It’s a massive club. Hopefully this year with the signings and the manager starting a new era, they can do something big.
“Let’s see, hopefully they can win something and be there where they deserve.”
Ruben Amorim still needs a new goalkeeper at Man United
Before kick-off at Old Trafford, De Gea shared a warm embrace with United’s shot-stopper Altay Bayindir, but it is still not clear whether he will start the season for the Red Devils.
Andre Onana’s injury was the only real setback from the pre-season schedule, but the 29-year-old is targeting a return for the Premier League opener against Arsenal.
Alternatively, United are still in the market for a new goalkeeper.
United have shown interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma, with PSG reportedly open to selling their Champions League-winning goalkeeper this summer.
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Senne Lammens is also a United target this summer, with Ineos considering a £17m move for the Royal Antwerp star.
Amorim will be more than happy with most of his options heading into 2025/26, but the goalkeeper situation is still something that needs to be resolved.