Editor’s Column: David de Gea’s Manchester United goodbye was pathetic and sad

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on April 02, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

12-years of admirable service only to serve up a meaningless social media post to say your goodbye.

David de Gea deserves better than that be it a testimonial or having his situation solved by the end of the season. That would have given us all a proper chance to say farewell and thanks for everything.

The greatest thing that could be said for De Gea’s tenure at United is that he has been one to stand up in times of adversity. He deserves better.

The Spaniard posted on Instagram: “I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters.

“I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this cub. I took incredible pride everytime I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers.

“It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together.

“Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings.

“Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me.

“We’ve seen it all.”

Ultimately, Manchester United have been ruthless, but Erik ten Hag needs to be. The new era needs a new goalkeeper and there has been much welcomed talk of Andre Onana joining from Inter Milan. That would be a transformative signing in the way we will play next season. I’m all for it if it means a higher defensive line and less nervy moments at the back.

It’s just a reality – whether you like it or not – that players don’t leave United under the best circumstances. Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t get to roll out a big red carpet for departing Dave. Instead, he would have either: 1) spoke to his social media team or 2) opened his own Instagram app.

I’d take a strong guess at him doing the former.

But, as sad as this is for De Gea and fans who would like to bid their farewell, I can’t think of many club legends that left the club under good circumstances. Ferguson usually knew when was the right time to cut the cord with certain players and sometimes it ended on ugly terms.

Still, I can’t see this as anything other than pathetic goodbye for a club legend.

Thanks for everything Spanish Dave.

Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.