By 
David de Gea’s name is etched into the history of Manchester United, and on Saturday evening at Old Trafford, the club ensured that the man who guarded their net for more than a decade received the farewell he truly deserved. Now wearing the colours of Fiorentina, the 34-year-old Spaniard stepped onto the pitch he once called home and was met with a wall of applause, chants, and gratitude from a crowd that has watched him produce countless moments of brilliance.
The occasion was United’s final pre-season friendly before the 2025–26 campaign, but for many in attendance, it felt like something more—an overdue goodbye to a player who left quietly in the summer of 2023 when his contract expired. De Gea had been the last surviving member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s final squad, joining the club as a fresh-faced 20-year-old from Atlético Madrid in 2011. Over the years, he became a symbol of resilience, loyalty, and world-class shot-stopping.
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A Career Worth Celebrating
During his 12 years at Old Trafford, de Gea’s trophy cabinet grew respectably, even during a challenging era for the club. He was part of the 2012–13 Premier League-winning side under Ferguson, ensuring his first two seasons ended with silverware. Later came the FA Cup in 2016, the EFL Cup in 2017 and 2023, and perhaps his most celebrated triumph—the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League title under José Mourinho.
De Gea also picked up individual accolades in abundance. Named United’s Player of the Year a record four times (2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018), he was a constant source of points with match-defining saves. His performance against Arsenal in December 2017, when he equalled the Premier League record for most saves in a match (14), remains etched in fans’ memories.
By the time he left in 2023, de Gea had made 545 appearances for the club, including 415 in the Premier League. His consistency between the sticks often kept United competitive during seasons when defensive frailties were all too common.
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The Emotional Return
Saturday’s match offered United fans the chance to finally express their appreciation in person. As Fiorentina warmed up on the Old Trafford turf, a buzz rippled through the stands. When de Gea’s name was announced over the tannoy, the stadium erupted. Moments before kick-off, he was invited to the centre circle, where club captain Bruno Fernandes presented him with a specially commissioned framed artwork capturing some of his finest moments in a United shirt.
The former keeper raised his hand to acknowledge the crowd, visibly touched by the warmth of the reception. Applause cascaded from the Stretford End, blending with chants of “De Gea, De Gea” echoing around the ground. Even Fiorentina supporters joined in the moment, recognising the class and professionalism he displayed throughout his career.
“It’s special to be back,” de Gea said in a brief interview after the tribute. “I have so many memories here, so many friends, and the fans have always been incredible to me. I’ll never forget it.”
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Life After United
De Gea’s departure in 2023 was a turning point for both the player and the club. Then-manager Erik ten Hag decided to move in a different direction, signing Andre Onana from Inter Milan to implement a more possession-based approach from the back. Onana, while showing flashes of brilliance, is still adjusting to the intense scrutiny that comes with the United goalkeeper role.
De Gea, meanwhile, took time before finding his next chapter, eventually signing with Serie A side Fiorentina in 2024. In Italy, his experience and leadership have been invaluable, and he continues to perform at a high level.
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A Night of Introductions
The tribute to de Gea wasn’t the only headline from Old Trafford. United used the occasion to unveil their quartet of summer signings to the home crowd. Matheus Cunha, Diego Leone, and Bryan Mbeumo all received warm receptions as they stepped out in the famous red shirt for the first time.
But the loudest cheers were reserved for Benjamin Sesko, the 85-million-euro striker brought in from RB Leipzig. The Slovenian international is seen as the spearhead of United’s attack for years to come, with his pace, physicality, and finishing ability offering hope of solving the goal-scoring woes that plagued the team last season.
The Match Itself
In terms of the game, United and Fiorentina played out an entertaining contest, with the focus firmly on preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign. While the scoreline was secondary to the emotion of the evening, United’s new signings showed flashes of promise, and Fiorentina displayed the technical precision that has made them one of Serie A’s most watchable sides.
For de Gea, the result mattered little. The evening was about closure—about a chance to say goodbye to the fans who supported him through highs and lows. His wave to the Stretford End at full-time felt like the final page of a chapter that began in 2011.
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Legacy Secured
Few players in the modern era have matched de Gea’s longevity at a club like Manchester United, especially in a position as unforgiving as goalkeeper. Through managerial changes, squad rebuilds, and periods of both triumph and turbulence, he remained a constant. His ability to pull off the impossible—often in high-pressure matches—made him a cult hero.
While some may debate his place in the pantheon of United greats, there’s no doubt that he left the shirt in a better place than he found it. More importantly, he left with his dignity intact, respected by teammates, opponents, and supporters alike.
Looking Ahead for United
With the Premier League season about to begin, Erik ten Hag will hope the blend of experienced arrivals and young talent will restore United to the top tier of English football. The signings of Cunha, Leone, Mbeumo, and Sesko underline the club’s intent, but the standard set by legends like de Gea serves as a reminder of what it takes to succeed at Old Trafford.
If United can match his consistency and professionalism across the squad, the next chapter could be one of resurgence. For now, though, the story belongs to the Spaniard who gave his best years to the club—and finally got the farewell he deserved.
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