Aug 2, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Real Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea (1) during the first half against the Manchester United at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

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David De Gea Set for Emotional Old Trafford Return as Man Utd Face Fiorentina

Aug 2, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Real Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea (1) during the first half against the Manchester United at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

David de Gea is set to make a long-awaited return to Old Trafford this weekend, as Manchester United prepare to face Fiorentina in their final pre-season fixture. The Spanish goalkeeper, who spent 12 years with United before departing in 2023, will be back between the sticks — but this time in the colours of La Viola.

United Road.

See you Saturday 🧤 https://t.co/wbLCMxdERF
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) August 5, 2025

Ahead of Saturday’s friendly, De Gea took to social media to send a brief but heartfelt message:
“United Road. See you Saturday.”

The post quickly drew a wave of warm reactions from United fans, many of whom still hold the former No.1 in high regard. Some supporters even called for his re-signing, with comments suggesting he’d still be a better option than the current goalkeeping roster at Erik ten Hag’s disposal.

A Year Since De Gea left

It’s almost poetic timing. De Gea joined Fiorentina exactly one year after his United contract expired, and his return to Manchester falls on the anniversary of that move. His departure in 2023 marked the end of an era — having joined from Atlético Madrid in 2011, he made 545 appearances for the Red Devils and won the club’s Player of the Year award a record four times.

Though he remained a free agent for a prolonged spell after his Old Trafford exit, the veteran goalkeeper found a new home in Florence and is now part of Vincenzo Italiano’s ambitious project with the Serie A side.

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United Eye Unbeaten Pre-Season Finish

Saturday’s clash marks Manchester United’s final tune-up before the 2025/26 season kicks off, and they remain unbeaten so far under new boss Ruben Amorim. After a cagey 0-0 draw against Leeds in Stockholm, United impressed during their Premier League Summer Series tour in the U.S., registering two wins and a draw.

As for Fiorentina, they’ll be looking to give their season a strong start with a solid showing in Manchester — but the spotlight will inevitably shine brightest on their goalkeeper.

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Whatever the final scoreline, De Gea’s return promises to be a poignant moment — a reunion between a club legend and the fans who never quite stopped singing his name.