Manchester United’s head coach, Erik ten Hag, has showered praise upon David de Gea for his immense contributions to the club over the years. As the Spaniard’s contract with the 20-time English champions expired at the end of June, it was confirmed that he would be bidding farewell to the club.
With 545 appearances for the Red Devils, including 58 last season, De Gea’s presence in the squad has been nothing short of remarkable. Notably, he secured the Golden Glove for the 2022-23 Premier League season with an impressive 17 clean sheets.
During a press conference on Friday, De Gea humbly acknowledged that while he played a pivotal role in the team’s performances, it was always a collective effort. He emphasized that defending with eleven players was instrumental in their success, and he couldn’t take sole credit for their accomplishments.
The 32-year-old expressed understanding and acceptance of the club’s decision to make changes, signaling his readiness to embrace new challenges.
In light of De Gea’s significant contributions, Ten Hag assured fans that the goalkeeper will be given the opportunity to say a proper farewell to the supporters. The Dutch coach acknowledged De Gea’s legendary status at Manchester United, underscoring the importance of celebrating his accomplishments in front of the adoring fans at Old Trafford.
Turning the spotlight to the club’s newest acquisition, Andre Onana, Ten Hag highlighted the Cameroonian goalkeeper’s remarkable ball-playing abilities.
Onana’s agility and adaptability are expected to be assets for Manchester United, as he can perform effectively both behind a high defensive line and a low one.
With Onana completing his first training session after joining from Inter Milan, Ten Hag expressed confidence in the player’s seamless integration into the team and emphasized the importance of cooperation and teamwork during the pre-season.
As the pre-season unfolds, Manchester United has already displayed promising form, securing victories against Leeds United and Lyon in their friendly matches.
The team is geared up for their upcoming pre-season tour of the United States, where they will face off against Arsenal. The new season promises to be an exciting one, with the arrival of Onana and the legacy of De Gea etched in the hearts of the fans.
