David de Gea set for shock Old Trafford farewell as Man Utd make 'exciting' pre-season announcement - two years after Spaniard was dumped for Andre Onana

United supporters may finally have the chance to bid a proper farewell to one of the club’s most loyal servants, as the Spaniard is set to return to Old Trafford for a special pre-season clash. Now 34, De Gea is expected to feature for his current club Fiorentina in a high-profile friendly scheduled for Saturday, August 9, marking what could be a poignant homecoming two years after his abrupt exit.

After leaving Manchester, De Gea spent a season away from competitive football before returning to the professional stage by signing with Fiorentina. He has since found a new lease of life in Italy, impressing in Serie A and playing a key role in Fiorentina’s push for Champions League qualification. Ironically, since his departure, United have faced challenges in replacing their former No.1. Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana was brought in from Inter Milan for a fee of £43.8 million, but he has failed to find his feet at Old Trafford.

Jason Wilcox, Manchester United’s technical director, said: “This final pre-season fixture is key to our preparations for the 2025/26 campaign – it will ensure the players have all had competitive game-time, against top opposition, in different environments, including Old Trafford, before the Premier League resumes.

“We have worked closely with Ruben [Amorim] and his coaching staff to put together a schedule of exciting and competitive fixtures that create the best conditions for the team to prepare. This includes utilising some of the leading sporting facilities in the US, playing against strong opponents, and creating opportunities for as many fans as possible to see the team live in Sweden, the US, and, with this final fixture, back home at the Theatre of Dreams.”

The upcoming clash will mark the first meeting between Manchester United and Fiorentina since the 1999-2000 Champions League group stages. On that occasion, Fiorentina secured a 2-0 win in Florence, while United responded in the reverse fixture with a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Andy Cole, Roy Keane, and Dwight Yorke.

De Gea’s list of honours in a Manchester United shirt includes a Premier League title, an FA Cup, and a Europa League crown. But perhaps his biggest achievement was his longevity and consistent excellence during a turbulent era for the club post Sir Alex Ferguson. The upcoming friendly provides an opportunity to finally bring closure, both for the fans and for a goalkeeper whose contributions will not be forgotten.