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<ul><li>De Gea returns to Old Trafford</li><li>Goalkeeper features as Fiorentina face Man Utd</li><li>Receives plaque from former team-mate Fernandes</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

VIDEO: David de Gea receives standing ovation from Old Trafford crowd and gift from captain Bruno Fernandes on return to Man Utd

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<p>Every fan was on their feet as Old Trafford honoured De Gea, 34, before his new side Fiorentina took on United in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, which the Red Devils won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The goalkeeper received a special plaque from former team-mate and current United captain Bruno Fernandes as part of the tribute.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>&nbsp;</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A final farewell for De Gea <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/mufc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mufc</a> <a href="https://t.co/AeXt16JgoT">pic.twitter.com/AeXt16JgoT</a></p>— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) <a href="https://x.com/samuelluckhurst/status/1954147961169981517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was the first time De Gea had the chance to bid farewell to the Old Trafford faithful in person after moving to Fiorentina on a free transfer last summer. The goalkeeper joined United in 2011 from Atletico Madrid and helped the club win eight major honours, including the Premier League title in 2012-13.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Next up for United is a mouth-watering home clash against Arsenal in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, De Gea and Fiorentina are waiting to find out who they will face in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff tie on 21 August.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR DE GEA, MAN UTD AND FIORENTINA?

VIDEO: David de Gea receives standing ovation from Old Trafford crowd and gift from captain Bruno Fernandes on return to Man Utd | Goal.com

David de Gea received a standing ovation as he returned to Manchester United for the first time since departing the club.

WHAT HAPPENED?

WATCH THE CLIP

THE BIGGER PICTURE

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WHAT NEXT FOR DE GEA, MAN UTD AND FIORENTINA?