The Manchester United dressing room is reportedly still angry about the club’s treatment of long-serving first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea. De Gea was replaced by Andre Onana this summer after club executives pulled out of a new short-term deal with the Spaniard in order to bring in the Cameroonian shot-stopper.
Terms had been agreed on a fresh deal with the 32-year-old that would have seen his £375,000-a-week wages slashed but United backed out of the agreement. Erik ten Hag was not convinced by De Gea’s ability with the ball at his feet and informed the board that he wanted to sign a modern goalkeeper in his place.
Onana, who previously played under Ten Hag during his time at Ajax, was then signed for £47.2million from Inter Milan in order to fit the profile of goalkeeper the Dutchman wanted between the sticks. As a result, De Gea was released into free agency following 12 years of service at Old Trafford and remains without a club at the time of writing.
According to the Sun, Manchester United’s players were not best pleased by the club’s treatment of De Gea. Multiple members of the squad are said to be unhappy with the manner of his departure.
De Gea was a popular member of the dressing room and received an outpouring of tributes from his former teammates when he left the club. Captain Bruno Fernandes wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories.
“You made history at the club and your name will never be forgotten, and that no one can’t take away from you. All the best for what’s coming for you and your family.”
Former Red Devils midfielder Fred, who joined Fenerbache this summer, tweeted: “What a great pleasure to play and work with you, legend. One of the great friends I’ve made in football. You have all my respect and admiration and I wish you the best on your next challenges! @D_DeGea”.
Meanwhile, Casemiro added: “David, my mate! You made history with Manchester United. You will always be a Red Devil, and these fans will continue to support you wherever your next challenge leads you. You will always be one of us. My best wishes!”
