It’s hard not to feel disappointed—if not outright heartbroken—about the way Manchester United treated one of their greatest servants, **David De Gea**. After **12 years of unwavering commitment**, stellar performances, and a long-standing loyalty to the club, De Gea’s exit was handled in a way that felt not just unprofessional, but deeply disrespectful. He departed as **Manchester United’s all-time clean sheet leader**, a record that speaks volumes about his consistency and quality between the posts.
What makes the whole situation even more difficult to accept is that there was initially a **verbal agreement in place** to extend his contract. De Gea had agreed to continue with the club, fully accepting a **drastically reduced salary**—a rare show of loyalty and humility in the modern football era. He wasn’t chasing a big payday. In fact, he was ready to sacrifice millions just to stay at the club he considered home. Reports even suggest he had already **signed his side of the deal** and informed teammates that he was staying. But in a shocking turn of events, **Manchester United failed to sign their part of the agreement**.
Instead of honoring the verbal agreement or the initial offer, the club came back with an even lower proposal—a clear sign that they no longer wanted him. That move left De Gea blindsided and effectively forced him out. For a player who had been a cornerstone of the team through both good and bad seasons, this kind of treatment felt **cold and ungrateful**.
Despite his rocky final seasons, De Gea still managed to shine—**winning the Premier League Golden Glove** in one of his last years, which is a testament to his resilience and enduring class. He didn’t go out on a low note in terms of performance, and yet he was quietly pushed aside.
Adding to the sting is the fact that Manchester United then splashed over **€50 million to sign André Onana**, reportedly on the insistence of manager **Erik ten Hag**. Since arriving, Onana has struggled with form and consistency, committing numerous high-profile errors. Meanwhile, **De Gea took a year off** from the game and has now returned to football, proving once again why he’s still a top-class goalkeeper.
In the end, De Gea’s story is one of immense loyalty, class, and heartbreak—a true club legend who deserved a far better farewell.
