Manchester United's Goalkeeper Dilemma: Will De Gea Return to Cover Onana's Absence for AFCON?

 

MAN U-TURN Man Utd plan astonishing bid to bring David de Gea back on free transfer three months after releasing star

Manchester United is grappling with a goalkeeper predicament as they are concerned about their options when Cameroon's No. 1 goalkeeper, Andre Onana, departs for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) early next year. Onana was initially expected to be De Gea's replacement, but a U-turn on his international retirement caught the club off guard. AFCON is scheduled to run from January 13 to February 11, potentially causing Onana to miss up to eight crucial matches for United. To address this issue, the club is considering turning to David De Gea, who had been released earlier in the summer.

David De Gea, who spent an illustrious 12-year career at Old Trafford, left when his contract expired. He has not played for any other club since then. United had initially offered De Gea reduced terms to stay, reducing his wages from £375,000 a week to £200,000 a week. However, even that deal was eventually taken off the table.

In a surprising turn of events, United also requested that De Gea refrain from joining another club until they had completed Onana's transfer. This treatment was viewed by many as less than ideal for the longest-serving goalkeeper in the club's history, a player who had recently won the Premier League's Golden Glove award.

Although Manchester United had brought in Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce for £4.3 million, Tom Heaton is the only other goalkeeper available during the AFCON tournament.

Bruno Fernandes, the Red Devils' captain, expressed his regret for De Gea not receiving a proper send-off. There is now speculation that such a farewell could take place if De Gea accepts the short-term deal to cover for Onana's absence.

Many believe that De Gea should have been retained, especially given Onana's recent form. Onana, a former Inter Milan star, was instrumental in United's recent Champions League victory over Copenhagen, making an injury-time penalty save that secured a 1-0 win.