After an illustrious 12-year journey, David De Gea, the legendary goalkeeper from Spain, has officially bid farewell to Manchester United.
Following the expiration of his contract on June 30, the 32-year-old shot-stopper expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the club’s fans in a heartfelt message on social media.
De Gea’s departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and an extraordinary record as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.
A Decade of Unmatched Brilliance
When David De Gea joined Manchester United in 2011 from Atletico Madrid, few could have predicted the incredible impact he would make.
Over the course of his 12 seasons at Old Trafford, De Gea made an astonishing 545 appearances, becoming the club’s most-capped goalkeeper of all time. His exceptional goalkeeping skills, agility, and acrobatic saves captivated fans and earned him numerous accolades throughout his tenure.
De Gea’s remarkable journey at Manchester United was marked by several notable achievements. Last season, he surpassed Peter Schmeichel’s long-standing club record for clean sheets, solidifying his position as a true icon of the club.
In addition, De Gea clinched the Premier League Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets in a season for the second time in his career, demonstrating his unrivaled prowess between the posts.
Speaking on De Gea, Manchester United Manager Erik Ten Hag said, “Having been honored with the prestigious Player of the Year awards four times from both the fans and his teammates is a testament to the extraordinary level of his performance. David De Gea’s remarkable legacy will forever position him as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the illustrious history of the club.”
Glorious Triumphs and Challenges
During his time at Manchester United, De Gea experienced both triumphs and challenges. He was instrumental in helping the team secure the Premier League title in his second season under the guidance of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
David de Gea’s impressive performances also contributed to victories in the League Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League. However, in recent years, he faced criticism for occasional shortcomings and errors, which put him under scrutiny.
Despite winning the Golden Glove last season, he was involved in 5 errors that led to a goal. This was the most for any PL goalkeeper in Europe last season.
Additionally, De Gea being on a massive £375k a week didn’t help his cause either. According to reports United were looking to cut his wage by at least 75% while giving him a rotational player role instead of the first team.
Although De Gea aimed to finish his career at Old Trafford, things didn’t materialize in the end, leading to the end of De Gea at Old Trafford. De Gea has been out of contention for Spain’s squad since 2020, too.
A Farewell Message to the Fans
In a heartfelt farewell message to the passionate Manchester United supporters, De Gea expressed his unwavering gratitude for their unwavering love and support over the past 12 years.
He acknowledged the significant achievements the team accomplished and the memories they created together. De Gea’s departure undoubtedly leaves a void in the hearts of fans, who will forever remember him as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the club’s storied history.
Who Will Replace De Gea at Manchester United?
Rumors have surfaced linking Manchester United with a potential move for Inter Milan’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana. While these reports indicate the club’s interest in securing a new shot-stopper, it is important not to interpret this development as an imminent deal.
Nevertheless, negotiations may require a compromise on the price, as the club’s manager, Ten Hag, needs to prioritize his squad’s pressing need for a central striker.
As United moves forward, the goalkeeping responsibilities will fall to Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton in the meantime. The latter is expected to guard the net in the upcoming opening pre-season game against Leeds in Oslo.
What’s Next for De Gea?
De Gea has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League with clubs over there ready to offer him a similar wage contract to what he had at United.
However, it’s believed De Gea wants to continue in Spain. In that case, Inter Milan could be one of his options where he could actually replace his potential replacement at United. If De Gea wants to stay in England, he could move to Chelsea, who are also looking for goalkeepers.
Besides these options, Real Madrid, for whom he had almost signed in 2016 before the famous fax machine issue, could finally become his destination.
Wherever he goes, he has etched his name into the annals of Man United’s history through his exceptional performances and record-breaking achievements. While his departure may evoke mixed emotions among the fans, it opens up a new chapter for the team’s goalkeeping department.
Now the question arises: Who will step up to fill the void left by De Gea and continue his legacy between the posts?
Where do you want to see De Gea go? Share your opinions below.
