Manchester United have brutally moved on from departing goalkeeper David de Gea after taking down his profile from the club’s website just hours after his exit was confirmed.
The Spanish stopper announced his departure from Old Trafford on Saturday in a shock statement shared to social media. It brings to an end a hugely successful 12-year spell for De Gea at Old Trafford.
Since arriving from Atletico Madrid, the now 32-year-old has made over 500 appearances, whilst also winning a host of different trophies including the Premier League and the Europa League. Despite that stellar service, the Red Devils have brutally bid farewell to him.
De Gea’s profile has already been removed from the club’s official website, with fans instead greeted by an error message. He is also no longer present among the Red Devils’ current players. United only have two goalkeepers named among their senior options.
Academy graduates Tom Heaton and Dean Henderson are the two options that the Red Devils could call upon. The latter has been linked with an exit however.
Nottingham Forest are interested in signing him on a permanent basis following his injury-hit loan spell last term. Despite United’s somewhat brutal farewell, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag had some kind words for De Gea.
Should De Gea have been allowed to leave Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Speaking after his exit was confirmed, the Dutchman said: “It takes great quality and character to reach the level of even playing one game for Manchester United. To do it 545 times over 12 years is a special achievement, particularly in the goalkeeping position where every game puts you in the spotlight.
"To have won Player of the Year awards from both the fans and his team-mates, each on four occasions, shows the level of his performance and he will always be remembered as one of the very best goalkeepers in the history of the club.
"I am personally grateful for the 25 clean sheets he helped provide last season and his overall contribution on the pitch during my first year at the club. All the players and staff send him our very best wishes for the next phase of his outstanding career."
Ten Hag will certainly be aiming to add more goalkeepers to his squad before the end of the transfer window. Inter Milan star Andre Onana is thought to rank highly among the Red Devils’ targets.
They have already opened talks with the Italian giants regarding a deal and are expected to return with an improved bid shortly. Meanwhile, it appears that the Red Devils are also in talks to sign Zion Suzuki from Urawa Red Diamonds.
According to reports in Japan, United have submitted an initial £5m bid to sign the young Japanese-Ghanian stopper.
