David de Gea made his return to Manchester United on Saturday as the club played out a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina in a pre-season friendly at Old Trafford
02:55, 11 Aug 2025
Marcus Rashford during a Barcelona game
Marcus Rashford gave de Gea a great response(Image: Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has responded to David de Gea's heartfelt message following the goalkeeper's return to Manchester United.
De Gea put on a show for Fiorentina in the pre-season friendly against United at Old Trafford on Saturday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with a Robin Gosens own goal offsetting an initial strike from Simon Sohm.
United clinched victory in the ensuing penalty shootout 5-4, with all five players nailing their penalties. Before the whistle blew, de Gea was treated to a special presentation led by United skipper and former teammate, Bruno Fernandes.
Post-match, de Gea took to social media to share his feelings about his first return to Old Trafford since leaving the club as a free agent two years prior.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 9: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United makes a presentation to David De Gea of Fiorentina prior to the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
The emotional presentation was given before the pre-season friendly match(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
"A magical moment for me and my family to come back to Old Trafford - my home," de Gea wrote in a touching Instagram post, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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"From the bottom of my heart - I want to say thank you for the reception - for all the love you shown me today.
"To the supporters that never stopped being with me throughout my time at this club".
"Our paths may cross again but for today... We've seen it all."
De Gea's post racked up over a million likes, one of which came from Rashford who recently left United to join Barcelona on loan.
Marcus Rashford playing for Manchester United
Rashford joined Manchester United at the age of seven and left after 20 years, 426 appearances, 138 goals and five trophies(Image: Stephen White - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Rashford clocked up 294 appearances alongside De Gea for United, making him the player who has shared the pitch most with the Spanish keeper throughout his career.
Rashford replied with a red heart in the comments, while Fernandes chimed in with: "Your home will always be here."
Red Devils' defender Diogo Dalot left a simple but effective remark, calling him a "Legend."
Other prominent United names, including Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez, Dalot, Tom Heaton and Fernandes, also lent their approval by liking De Gea's post.
In July, Barcelona have confirmed the loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
A statement from the Catalan giants read: "FC Barcelona and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Marcus Rashford until 30 June 2026. The agreement also establishes an option to buy the English forward.
"The player have signed his contract as a Barça player this afternoon in at a private meeting in the presence of the FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta; the director of the Football Area, and other Board members."
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