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Fabrizio Romano quashes rumours of Manchester United reunion

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 10:17 AM ET

Fabrizio Romano dismisses the chances of David de Gea returning to Manchester United

While Manchester United are expected to make reinforcements across several areas of the squad this summer, one position that could come under serious scrutiny is that of their first-choice goalkeeper, André Onana. The former Inter Milan shot-stopper has committed several high-profile errors this season, some of which have directly cost United crucial points. With the pressure mounting, new manager Rúben Amorim may consider offloading the Cameroonian and bringing in a more reliable option between the posts.

Interestingly, Fichajes previously reported that United are exploring the possibility of bringing back David de Gea. The Spanish goalkeeper was a mainstay in the starting XI for over a decade but was released by Erik ten Hag last summer due to concerns over his distribution and comfort with the ball at his feet, attributes central to Ten Hag’s tactical setup. As a result, De Gea was left without a club for an entire year. However, under a new regime with a different playing philosophy, a return to Old Trafford might not be off the table.

Fabrizio Romano provides an update on David de Gea to Manchester United

Fiorentina finally secured the signing of De Gea last summer, but recent reports had suggested a potential return to Old Trafford. However, respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via X has dismissed those rumours. Romano revealed that Fiorentina are set to trigger the option to extend De Gea’s contract by another year, following his impressive performances this season. As a result, the Spanish shot-stopper is now contracted to the Serie A club until June 2026.

David de Gea has delivered a solid campaign for Fiorentina in the 2024/25 Serie A season. In 28 appearances, he has conceded 27 goals and kept 10 clean sheets. On average, Fiorentina conceded one goal every 93 minutes when De Gea was between the posts, giving him a goals-conceded-per-90 stat of 0.96. The Spanish goalkeeper has faced 93 shots and made 68 saves, resulting in an impressive save percentage of 73.12% (as of April 10, 2025). These numbers reflect a strong return to form for the veteran shot-stopper, justifying Fiorentina’s decision to extend his contract through to June 2026.

De Gea’s resurgence at Fiorentina, where he’s been a virtual brick wall since arriving last summer, naturally sparked whispers of a possible Manchester United reunion. However, Fabrizio Romano was quick to shut those rumours down, confirming that Fiorentina will extend the Spaniard’s contract until 2026. It’s a smart move for the Italian club, but for United, it’s arguably a bullet dodged.

There’s no denying De Gea’s shot-stopping remains world-class, and his experience is invaluable. But at 34, he no longer represents the future. His well-documented struggles with ball distribution and sweeping play were starkly exposed during United’s tactical transition under Erik ten Hag. While André Onana has had his share of inconsistencies, he fits the modern profile United were aiming for, comfortable on the ball and integral to building from the back.

A return for De Gea would’ve been more nostalgic than strategic, an emotional throwback rather than forward-thinking progress. United need a goalkeeper who can command the area, initiate attacks, and evolve with the team. De Gea’s continued brilliance in Serie A is Fiorentina’s gain, but Old Trafford should be focused on long-term growth, not sentimental rewinds.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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