DAVID DE GEA has hinted he may be about to return to football after taking part in a training session at an English non-league club.
The Spanish goalkeeper was part of the last title-winning Manchester United squad.
He left Old Trafford as a free agent last summer following a 12-year spell there despite winning the Golden Glove last term.
United infamously released De Gea on his wedding day in June and he is still yet to find a new club.
The 33-year-old was linked with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Shabab and Newcastle following an injury to their No.1 Nick Pope but neither move materialised.
More recent reports have emerged that he could be heading back to his homeland to join Real Betis.
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De Gea has remained living in Manchester throughout his time out, and even watched United’s women play, while he struggled to land a new job.
The 45-capped Spain international has continued to stay in shape by training alone.
Earlier this week he teased a return by issuing a three-word update on his future as he shared a video of himself training.
That clip was filmed at his local non-league side Altrincham, who are battling for promotion via the National League play-offs.
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De Gea has now dropped another hint that a move could be on the cards by sharing another video along with a “loading” graphic of himself training on the pitch at their J Davidson Stadium.
Meanwhile, United’s legendary former goalie Edwin van der Sar recently offered the ex-Atletico Madrid ace his support.
The Dutchman recalled how he was in a similar scenario after leaving Juventus in 2001 but eventually joined Fulham before heading to Old Trafford and winning the Champions League.
Commenting on another training clip posted by De Gea, Van der Sar wrote: “David, keep the faith and believe as I had something similar in 2001 and look what that brought me in the end!”
David de Gea’s trophy haul
Here’s every honour that the Spanish star has on his CV:
Club:
Atletico Madrid
Europa League (2010)
Uefa Super Cup (2010)
Man Utd
Premier League (2013)
FA Cup (2016)
League Cup (2017, 2023)
Europa League (2017)
International:
Spain
U21 European Championship (2011, 2013)
Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Graeme Souness recently suggested that United boss Erik ten Hag made a mistake in letting the stopper leave on a free and bringing in Andre Onana.
He said: “You need to prioritise. You have to try and strengthen where you really need players.
“Did they really, really need to spend that money on a goalkeeper when they had De Gea who was still a very good goalkeeper for Man United?
“De Gea was still a top goalkeeper. Every goalkeeper will make a mistake.
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“They’ve spent £70m [£47.2m] on a new goalkeeper but are they really playing any differently now, just because Onana is better on the ball?
“That money should have been spent elsewhere and been more productive. The recruitment has been pretty average.”
Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
