David de Gea has sparked headlines once again after opening up about the real reason why his highly anticipated return to Manchester United never happened. The Spanish goalkeeper, who spent more than ten years at Old Trafford before departing in 2023, revealed that he came close to sealing a sensational comeback last summer. However, a face-to-face meeting with new boss Rúben Amorim crushed those hopes and left him feeling personally rejected.
According to De Gea, after leaving United as a free agent, he was approached with several opportunities from clubs abroad. Despite the interest, he deliberately held off on committing, believing that a reunion with United was within reach. He admitted that talks with the club’s decision-makers advanced considerably by mid-2024, with senior figures on the board keen to bring him back. For them, De Gea was not only still capable of delivering top-level performances but also seen as a seasoned leader who could help steady a team in turmoil. Reflecting on that period, he said, *“I felt the timing was perfect. My heart was ready to give everything back to Manchester United again.”*
That optimism faded quickly after meeting Amorim. De Gea recounted how the Portuguese manager bluntly explained that he was not part of his vision for the future. Amorim insisted the goalkeeper did not fit the style of play he wanted to implement and even hinted that signing him again would slow the progress of the squad. The remarks struck De Gea deeply, making him feel that this was more than just a tactical call but a personal rejection. *“That was the moment I knew it was finished,”* he revealed, describing the conversation as far harsher than he had anticipated.
The revelation is likely to sting supporters who still regard De Gea as one of the club’s greatest figures of the modern era. During his time in Manchester, he often carried United through tough periods, producing match-saving performances when the team was struggling. Many fans had hoped his return could bring both stability in goal and a nostalgic reminder of more consistent times. Knowing Amorim himself blocked the comeback will add fuel to growing dissatisfaction with the manager, who is already under fire for failing to bring clarity or balance to the side.
De Gea didn’t shy away from criticizing Amorim either, suggesting the coach’s decisions have harmed the club’s direction. *“It’s not really about me anymore—it’s about Manchester United,”* he said. *“But I honestly believe some of his choices have already cost the team too much.”*
Since then, United’s goalkeeping situation has remained uncertain, with no permanent solution emerging. Meanwhile, De Gea has stayed fit and patient, still training in anticipation of a new chapter elsewhere. But he made it clear that a return to Old Trafford is no longer possible. *“Manchester will always feel like home, but the club I left isn’t the one I almost returned to. I had to accept that and move forward,”* he concluded.
His honest reflections not only close the door on his United journey but also cast doubt on Amorim’s ability to unite the fans, the squad, and the traditions of the club. For De Gea, the dream of a second spell is officially over, leaving his legacy at Old Trafford firmly in the past.
