Ever wondered what happens when a club legend is shown the door? David de Gea's story is a masterclass in resilience and proving doubters wrong. After 12 loyal years at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag decided the Spanish goalkeeper was no longer part of his plans, opting for Andre Onana in the summer of 2023. Fast forward to 2025, and De Gea isn't just playing; he's dominating Serie A with Fiorentina, leaving many to question if Ten Hag's ruthless decision was a monumental blunder.
Remember when De Gea first arrived from Atletico Madrid? Fans were skeptical, questioning his composure. But he quickly silenced critics, becoming the rock of the post-Ferguson era for a decade. He won everything with United—the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and League Cups—often being the sole shining light in turbulent times. His legendary 14-save performance against Arsenal in 2017? That wasn't just a good game; it was goalkeeping history.
So, why did Ten Hag let him go? The Dutch manager wanted a ball-playing goalkeeper, a modern sweeper-keeper, which isn't De Gea's traditional strength. At 33, considered prime for a goalkeeper, he was deemed past it. But was that assessment fair, or just a symptom of Ten Hag's often-stubborn, empathy-lacking management style that also saw clashes with stars like Ronaldo and Sancho?
The Italian Renaissance: By The Numbers 🏆
De Gea didn't just find a new club; he found a new peak. After a year as a free agent, he signed with Fiorentina in August 2024 and instantly became their number one. Let's look at the stats that are making Manchester United fans weep:
| Metric | De Gea's 2024/25 Season (Serie A) | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Sofascore Rating | 7.70 | Highest-rated GK in Europe! 🤯 |
| Save Percentage | 1st in Serie A | Back to his shot-stopping best |
| Saves per 90 mins | 2nd in Serie A | Consistently bailing out his defense |
| Goals Prevented | 6th in Serie A | A key reason for Fiorentina's form |
These aren't just good numbers for a veteran; they are elite numbers for any goalkeeper. The saying "form is temporary, class is permanent" has never been more apt. Fiorentina are currently on a six-match unbeaten streak with De Gea in goal. He's not just collecting a paycheck; he's the foundation of their success.
The What-If for Manchester United 🤔
Ten Hag survived an end-of-season review partly thanks to an FA Cup win over Manchester City, but his tenure was ultimately defined by confusion and poor results. Letting De Gea leave for FREE after he'd just won the Premier League Golden Glove looks worse with every passing week. Reports even said a contract extension was agreed before the club pulled the offer. Major oops?
Meanwhile, Onana's time at United has been... inconsistent. The very passing game Ten Hag wanted has come with costly errors. The contrast is stark: one discarded legend is thriving abroad, while the chosen successor struggles under the Old Trafford pressure. It makes you wonder, did United solve a problem or create one?
The Final Verdict
David de Gea's 545 games for United were filled with loyalty and spectacular saves. His exit felt cold, an unceremonious end for a player who gave his all. Now in Florence, he's playing with a point to prove, and my goodness, is he proving it.
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For Ten Hag: A decision that likely haunts him. It became a symbol of a reign that often valued philosophy over proven performers.
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For United: They lost a club icon for nothing and might still be searching for a reliable last line of defense.
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For De Gea: A glorious second act. He's smiling again, saving shots, and reminding the world that true class never fades.
So, was discarding David de Gea Erik ten Hag's biggest mistake? The evidence from Italy in 2025 suggests a resounding YES. Sometimes, the old guard still has the best guards.
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