David de Gea’s transfer saga: United’s return or new chapter elsewhere?

In the summer of 2023, Manchester United made a decision: they parted ways with David de Gea, their goalkeeper of 12 years, opting for Andre Onana in a £47 million move that promised a new era of ball-playing brilliance. Fast forward to April 2025, and United’s goalkeeping woes has become a glaring wound in their worst-ever Premier League campaign: 14th place, 52 goals conceded in 34 games, and a Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao as their only chance for a trophy.

Meanwhile, De Gea, now 34, is thriving at Fiorentina, with 10 clean sheets in 29 Serie A appearances and a starring role in their Europa Conference League run. As whispers of a sensational Old Trafford return grow louder, the question looms: should De Gea come back to save United’s crumbling defense, or is his future best served at Fiorentina or another club? With United’s goalkeeping woes laid bare, this piece is set to critique De Gea’s legacy, his current form, and whether a reunion could restore the Red Devils’ glory days or simply reopen old wounds.

Why De Gea should return

Manchester United’s goalkeeping crisis is undeniable. Andre Onana, signed to revolutionize United’s build-from-the-back system, has been a subject of criticism. His 2024/25 season has been marred by high-profile errors conceding 1.5 xGA per game, with blunders against Ipswich, Lyon, Forest, Brighton, and Newcastle costing crucial points. Football pundits and fans have argued that de Gea shows more consistency compared to Onana, with Onana’s pass completion (72%) stays behind De Gea’s 73% in his final United season, debunking the myth of a better ball-playing goalkeeper. Altay Bayindir, United’s backup, has been scarcely trusted, playing just three cup games, while Tom Heaton’s injuries and likely exit leaves the position exposed.

De Gea, by contrast, is enjoying a rebirth in Florence. His 10 clean sheets in 29 Serie A games, 10 key saves, and a penalty save against Celje in the Conference League earned him praise from football enthusiasts and teammates. Others just criticized United’s decision to let him go as absurd and disrespectful. De Gea’s 545 appearances for United more than any goalkeeper in club history, brought eight trophies, including a Premier League title and a Golden Glove in 2022/23. His shot-stopping ability, evidenced by a 74% save percentage in his final United season, far outshines Onana’s 68% this season.

A return could be for United’s resurrection. De Gea’s familiarity with Old Trafford, his bond with fans, and his rapport with players like Fernandes make him a quick solution to United’s current defensive and goalkeeping challenges. At 34, he’s a short-term fix, potentially free if Fiorentina do not extend his contract. His experience could stabilize a defense leaking 1.53 goals per game, mentoring young talents like Ayden Heaven or Leny Yoro while Amorim rebuilds. With United targeting strikers like Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, De Gea’s low-cost return could free up funds, aligning with INEOS’s cost-cutting policy.

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Why De Gea must consider other options outside United

Regardless, this sentiment of De Gea’s return ignores harsh realities. His final seasons at United were far from flawless. Costly errors against Liverpool (7-0), West Ham, and Manchester City in the 2023 FA Cup final fueled Erik ten Hag’s decision to prioritize Onana’s ball-playing ability. With such abyssal record, some football enthusiasts branded De Gea as a threat to the club in his later years, arguing he was never good enough for United’s long-term vision. His distribution, a sticking point under Ten Hag, remains a weakness, his 73% pass completion in 2022/23 was solid but lacked the progressive ability Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 demands. At Fiorentina, De Gea’s 10 clean sheets come in a low-block system under Raffaele Palladino, not the high-line, possession-based setup United aspire.

Fiorentina’s commitment to De Gea makes it nearly difficult. President Rocco Commisso confirmed plans to trigger a one-year contract extension, mocking United’s decision to let him go. Reports have circulated of a huge pay rise for De Gea, reflecting his impact; 10 key saves in 29 games and a fan-favorite status. De Gea’s own words since his departure “Man United is a top club and my heart will always be there, but I finally felt [motivation] at Fiorentina” shows it will be difficult to get his signature. Returning to a club that “brutally axed” him, risks tarnishing his legacy, especially under the intense scrutiny of United’s 14th-placed crisis. I therefore ask this rhetorical question; who goes back to their ex?

United’s broader issues does not include goalkeeping alone. Their 39 goals scored (1.15 per game) and 52 conceded reflect systemic failures; defensive injuries (Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw) and attacking bluntness (Rasmus Hojlund’s 5 goals). De Gea cannot become the messiah to fix an overrun and exposed midfield and defense. Some football enthusiasts advocates for Aaron Ramsdale, a younger, ball-playing goalkeeper, as a long-term solution, while others suggests Amorim may target a profile like Porto’s Diogo Costa or Zion Suzuki. A De Gea reunion, while emotionally appealing, feels like a drop of water to an ocean of squad problems, risking regression to a style Amorim is moving away from.

Final take

De Gea should resist the call of Old Trafford. His Fiorentina resurgence, fan adoration, and a shot at European silverware offers a fulfilling chapter at 34. United’s goalkeeping woes are real, with Onana’s poor save percentage and Bayındır’s lack of minutes exposing a void. But De Gea’s return risks embarrassment for a club that admitted its “mistake,” and may not align with Amorim’s tactical evolution. If Fiorentina extend his contract, as club executives have vowed, De Gea should stay, or explore a new challenge elsewhere. United must look to the future; Ramsdale, Costa, or a bold unknown goalkeeper and not De Gea. The Theatre of Dreams needs new heroes to restore its glory, and De Gea’s legacy is already written in its history.