Latest Manchester United news as former goalkeeper David De Gea shares an update on Instagram
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea (Image: Getty Images)
David De Gea has arrived in England as he prepares for his first return to Manchester United.
De Gea, 34, left United in the summer of 2023, after 12 years at Old Trafford. He spent a year without a club before returning to sign for Serie A side Fiorentina on a short-term deal in August 2024.
The Spaniard impressed during his debut season in Florence, keeping 11 clean sheets in 35 league appearances, conceding just 35 goals in the process. Due to his form, Bayern Munich and Monaco were reportedly interested in signing him this summer, but he instead committed his future to Fiorentina, penning a new three-year contract.
Looking to have another successful season as Fiorentina’s first-choice stopper, De Gea appears to be working hard in pre-season and has landed in the United Kingdom ahead of three fixtures against English opposition.
First, Fiorentina face Championship side Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday. They then make the short trip across the East Midlands to take on Nottingham Forest, before entertaining United on Saturday, August 9.
In preparation for those matches, Fiorentina appear to have settled into their St George’s Park training base, home of the England national team, in Burton-upon-Trent.
Posting on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon, De Gea, who posted several images of him training at St George’s, wrote: “Back on familiar ground,” alongside an England flag emoji.
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Fiorentina’s trip to Sir Matt Busby Way is set to mark De Gea’s first return following his exit two years ago. During his time with United, De Gea made 545 appearances, after being signed by Sir Alex Ferguson. He went on to win five major trophies, including one Premier League title and one Europa League.
De Gea was soon replaced by Andre Onana, who signed in a £47.5million deal from Inter Milan, as United’s No.1. However, it’s safe to say that the Cameroon international hasn’t lived up to expectations since he joined the club. Indeed, the Reds appear to be right in the market for a new ‘keeper this summer.
According to The Telegraph, United made an enquiry about Paris Saint-Germain No.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma earlier in the summer. PSG are in the process of signing Lucas Chevalier from Lille and the Ligue 1 side are believed to be braced for United renewing their interest in Donnarumma once that deal is complete.
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