Old Trafford is set for an emotional afternoon on Saturday, (10th August) as former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea returns to the Theatre of Dreams – this time in the colours of Fiorentina – for the club’s final pre-season fixture ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Spaniard, who left United in 2023 after a stellar 12-year spell, is expected to be warmly welcomed by the home crowd, recognising his immense contributions during his time in Manchester.
Signed from Atletico Madrid in 2011 as a replacement for Edwin van der Sar, De Gea overcame early struggles to become one of the finest shot-stoppers in the club’s history. His lightning-fast reflexes and consistency between the posts earned him admiration across the footballing world.
His longevity at the club speaks volumes. De Gea made 415 Premier League starts – more than United legends such as Paul Scholes (404), Gary Neville (380), Wayne Rooney (354), and Roy Keane (309). When appearances, including substitutions, are considered, he ranks third in United’s Premier League history, behind only Ryan Giggs (632) and Scholes (499).
Notably, he was a key figure in the 2012/13 Premier League-winning squad, Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge, and went on to win the club’s Player of the Year award a record four times.
