Rio Ferdinand previously hit out at Manchester United's ‘unfair’ treatment of David de Gea with his exit now official.
The Spanish goalkeeper is already out of contract but there was hope that he would agree to an extended deal. The Red Devils had already found an agreement with the long-serving stopper, only to retract that offer and return to the negotiating table with a less valuable contract.
De Gea is set to bring his 12-year spell at Old Trafford to an end having penned a farewell message to the club and its supporters. That leaves the Red Devils looking for a new number one stopper - Inter Milan star Andre Onana looking close to a move to Old Trafford.
Amid De Gea’s official exit, the words of former Red Devils defender Ferdinand could well be ringing in the ears of the Old Trafford hierarchy. Even before the official end of the goalkeeper’s contract, he hit out at the club’s treatment of De Gea.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, he said: "It's a funny situation. Whether you think David de Gea is good enough for Manchester United anymore is up for debate.
"But he's been an unreal servant to this football club. He's been there for 12 years and has been Player for the Year multiple times. In the main he's served the club remarkably well, he's an outstanding professional.
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"There's a lot of people calling for him to leave and that's understandable and fair. I'm just a little bit gutted with how the club have handled this.
"It comes down to communication. I'm seeing more and more players leave with a sour taste and it's not right. I don't think it's fair on the player."
He then added: "David must be sitting there and thinking, 'I never dreamed that I would leave the club in this way, in this manner'.”
De Gea bids farewell to Old Trafford having made 545 appearances for United since his arrival from Spanish side Atletico Madrid. He kept 148 clean sheets in that time, 17 of which came in the Premier League last term as De Gea won the second Golden Glove of his career.
He has also won a host of trophies as a Red Devil including a solitary Premier League title, the Europa League, the FA Cup and two League Cups. Now 32, he will start a hunt for fresh employment ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
It also leaves the Red Devils looking for a new goalkeeper. Academy graduate Dean Henderson is also expected to follow De Gea out of the exit door - Nottingham Forest linked with making a fresh attempt to sign him.
Last season’s back-up stopper Jack Butland has also moved on having secured a move to Scottish giants Rangers following last season’s loan spell.
