Transfer Centre

Manchester United players 'still unhappy at treatment of David de Gea'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 22 September 2023

Man United players 'still unhappy at treatment of De Gea'

Members of Manchester United's first-team squad allegedly remain disappointed with how goalkeeper David de Gea was treated before his exit from Old Trafford.

A number of Manchester United players are reportedly still disappointed with the manner of David de Gea's exit from the club.

After 12 years at Old Trafford, the goalkeeper, who had made a total of 545 appearances in all competitions, was allowed to depart on a free transfer.

The Spain international had held one of the most lucrative contracts at the club and the decision was made that only a substantial pay-cut would keep him at the Theatre of Dreams.

If reports are to be believed, the 32-year-old indicated that he was prepared to accept reduced terms in order to extend his stay at a team where he was an ever-present in the Premier League during 2022-23.

Although United were seemingly ready to push through a renewal at one stage, that deal was eventually taken off the table and United proceeded to push through the big-money acquisition of Andre Onana.

David de Gea in action for Manchester United on August 7, 2022 © Reuters

According to The Sun, there has been lingering frustration with how the situation was handled by club officials.

The report claims that United players were left "fuming" over the manner of his exit, the feeling being that a long-serving player deserved more respect.

De Gea, who won the Premier League Golden Glove award last season, is said to have been well liked in the dressing room, the indication being that an extension of his contract would have been welcomed.

Since De Gea left the club, United have only kept one clean sheet in six competitive matches, with that shutout coming in the opening game of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Manchester United's Andre Onana looks dejected on September 20, 2023 © Reuters

While Onana has not been responsible for the majority of the 14 goals that United have conceded in all competitions, he was at fault for their opener in the 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich earlier this week.

After the fixture, the Cameroon international spoke to the media and accepted blame, only for head coach Erik ten Hag to insist that should not be the case.

United have already been facing discontent behind the scenes courtesy of the fall-out between Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho, as well as the domestic violence allegations made against Antony.

From De Gea's perspective, he is yet to find a new club, despite being linked with Bayern Munich, Real Betis and teams in the Middle East.