With David de Gea’s departure being official, Rio Ferdinand has criticized Manchester United for their ‘unfair’ treatment of the goalkeeper.
Although the Spanish goalkeeper’s current contract has expired, there was optimism that he would accept an extended one. The long-serving stopper and the Red Devils had already reached an agreement, only for the Red Devils to withdraw that offer and come back to the table with a less advantageous contract.
De Gea has sent a farewell letter to the team and its supporters and is about to terminate his 12-year stay at Old Trafford. As a result, the Red Devils are in need of a new starting custodian; Inter Milan’s Andre Onana appears to be close to joining Old Trafford.
The sentiments of former Red Devils defender Ferdinand may be echoing in the Old Trafford management when De Gea makes his formal departure. He criticized the club’s treatment of De Gea even before the goalkeeper’s contract had officially expired.
It’s a funny situation, he noted on his show Vibe with Five. Whether David de Gea is still effective enough for Manchester United is up for debate.
But he has served this football club like a true servant. He has been a player for the year numerous times and has been there for 12 years. Overall, he has done a remarkable job representing the club; he is a top-notch professional.
“It’s logical and fair that many people are asking him to quit. I’m simply a little disappointed with the club’s handling of this.
Ultimately, communication is key. It’s wrong that more and more players are leaving with a bad feeling. It’s not fair to the player, in my opinion.
David must be sitting there and reflecting, “I never dreamed that I would leave the club in this way, in this manner,” he continued.
After 545 appearances for United since his transfer from Spanish club Atletico Madrid, De Gea bids adieu to Old Trafford. In that period, he recorded 148 clean sheets, including 17 in the Premier League the previous season, where De Gea earned his second career Golden Glove.
He has also won numerous trophies throughout his time with the Red Devils, including two League Cups, the FA Cup, the Europa League, and one Premier League championship. Prior to the 2023–24 season, he will begin looking for new work at the age of 32.
The Red Devils now need to find a new custodian as a result. Dean Henderson, a recent academy product, is anticipated to follow De Gea out the exit door as well because Nottingham Forest is rumored to be resuming their pursuit of him.
Jack Butland, the back-up custodian from last season, has also left after securing a transfer to Scottish powerhouse Rangers following a loan stint.