Tuesday night saw David de Gea make his first appearance for Manchester United Women since he infamously left the team during the summer transfer window.
After an outstanding 22–23 season in which De Gea kept 17 clean sheets and won the Golden Glove award for the Premier League, everything appeared to be in place for the Spaniard to extend his 12-year stay at Old Trafford. Despite accepting a sizable pay cut to remain at United, a sudden change of heart by club officials—and perhaps Erik Ten Hag—led to the goalkeeper’s departure on a free transfer in July.
Many believed the shot-stopper was unfairly treated because he was unable to properly say farewell to his fans. The United manager, though, dismissed any notions that there had been a fallout after De Gea’s departure was made official and emphasized how crucial he had been to the team the previous year.
“Last season he contributed so highly to our top-four position, to winning the Carabao Cup trophy, and to reaching the FA Cup final,” the Dutchman stated at the time. Because of what he did for us, we are incredibly appreciative and appreciate him greatly.
545 games is a lot of games. Because of his skills and the incredible things he has accomplished for Manchester United, we all appreciate him. He kept the clean sheets so many times. As a team, especially at the top, you can occasionally shift in a different path since it’s fluid and dynamic.
“It occurs. There comes a time when players will come and go when you have been at Man United for 12 years.
As he watched the Women’s team’s inaugural Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, De Gea was now yelled at by United. The 32-year-old moved back to Spain in the summer, but he is now in the UK to organize the things he left behind.
From the stands, he posted a straightforward “let’s go” statement on his Instagram page alongside ecstatic fans. The Spaniard was at the game for the first time since leaving over the summer, and other supporters noticed him there as well.
Surprisingly, De Gea has not yet signed with a new team, despite rumored interest from Saudi Arabia. After Melvine Malard tied the score for United in the second half after Tabitha Chawinga gave PSG the lead, the game ended 1-1.