Manchester United players are angry about David de Gea’s exit – as his replacement Andre Onana continues to struggle.
De Gea, 32, was released by United in July after 12 years of service. The Spaniard played 545 games and won eight trophies at Old Trafford – including the Premier League title. Unfortunately, he finds himself unattached after failing to land a new club during the summer.
De Gea was succeeded as United’s first-choice goalkeeper by Onana, who played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax. The Cameroon international, 27, completed a £47million move from Inter Milan to Old Trafford. However, he is yet to convince United fans he’s the real deal.
Onana apologised to supporters after letting Leroy Sane’s shot squeeze under him during United’s 4-3 defeat at Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. He’s conceded 14 goals in his first six games at United but is determined to “learn” from his tough start.
United players are furious about the way De Gea was treated by the club. The experienced goalkeeper was a popular figure in the dressing room at Old Trafford and won the Premier League Golden Glove award last season.
Although De Gea faced criticism at United, he achieved a lot. He was named as United’s Player of the Year four times, with only Cristiano Ronaldo matching that record. That’s more wins than the likes of Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney (two each).
De Gea was also named as United’s Players’ Player of the Year four times, proving how respected he was in the dressing room. No other player has won that award three times, let alone four. “You know what I think about you and how much I will miss you bro,” United skipper Bruno Fernandes told De Gea on Instagram after his exit.
Yet it’s unlikely De Gea will make a shock return to Old Trafford after the club signed Onana. The goalkeeper faced the music by speaking to the press after his mistake against Bayern and will want to prove himself in the Premier League.
Onana said after his howler: “This is the life of a goalkeeper. It’s difficult. We started very good. After my mistake we lost control of the game. It’s a difficult situation for us, for me especially because I’m the one who let the team down”.
“We were very good on the ball, they didn’t create any chances, their first shot on target I made a mistake. It was the key point and the team went down because of that mistake. If we didn’t win today it was because of me”.
“I have to learn from it and be strong. I have a lot to prove. My start in Manchester hasn’t been so good, not how I want. This was one of my worst games.”