Manchester United, one of the most famous football teams in the world, is reportedly considering bringing back its long-lost gOAlkeeper David de Gea, sparking widespread speculation. After just a few months away from Old Trafford, the Red Devils are already considering bringing back the Spanish custodian. The Sun believes that Manchester United is actively trying to persuade De Gea to return to the club on a short-term contract during the forthcoming January transfer window.
Given the unexpected path that negotiations over a contract extension took, De Gea’s status as a free agent comes as somewhat of a shock. The experienced Spaniard was ready to settle for less than the £350,000 per week he was making on his previous contract, despite his status as one of the club’s top earners. He clearly cares about Manchester United and would have stayed even if the club offered him a lower salary if given the chance.
Manchester United Wants To Re-Sign David de Gea
David de Gea’s departure and subsequent difficulties in finding a new club come as somewhat of a surprise, given his stellar showing in Premier League goalkeeping the previous season. Clubs like Real Betis and Real Sociedad were said to be interested in signing him upon his return to Spain. There were rumours that certain ambitious Saudi Arabian teams might be interested in signing him. Although time passed, De Gea was still a free agent with an undetermined future.
Manchester United wasted little time after De Gea’s departure, paying Inter Milan £47.2 million for former Ajax Goalkeeper Andre Onana so that he could take over for De Gea. The beginning of Onana’s United career has been difficult, with some high-profile mistakes that have called into doubt manager Erik ten Hag’s judgement in releasing De Gea. However, Onana recently became the club’s hero after making a game-saving penalty save in a win against FC Copenhagen.
At this time, it seems that Manchester United is considering a course correction. The club is worried that there will be a scarcity of goalkeepers in January and February when Onana will be away playing for Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations. Onana had already resigned from international service in December 2022 after openly clashing with Cameroon’s head coach Rigobert Song. But now Onana says the two sides have reconciled and he’ll be rejoining the national squad.
However, if Cameroon advances far in the competition, Onana might miss as many as eight games for Manchester United due to his international commitments. Manager Erik ten Hag is afraid that his team’s lack of goalkeeping experience might cost them dearly during this crucial part of the season, despite the summer purchase of Altay Bayindir.
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The club is contemplating bringing David De Gea back into the fold as a result of these worries. The intention is to hire him on a temporary basis to fill in for Onana while he is away. While the club is going through a rough patch, De Gea’s knowledge of the team, its players, and the Premier League might prove to be a benefit.
