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Manchester United 'considering short-term David de Gea return during AFCON'

By Ben Sully | 25 October 2023

Man United 'considering short-term De Gea return during AFCON'

Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock return for David De Gea, with Andre Onana set to represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to re-sign David de Gea on a short-term deal.

The Spaniard spent 12 years with the Red Devils before he left the club in June following the expiry of his contract.

De Gea was offered reduced terms to remain with the club, which would have seen his salary decrease from £375,000 a week to £200,000 a week.

However, the contract offer was allegedly withdrawn and De Gea subsequently walked away from the club at the end of last season.

The 32-year-old has been replaced by Andre Onana, who joined the Red Devils from Italian side Inter Milan for an initial £43.8m fee.

Manchester United's Andre Onana celebrates after saving a penalty missed by Copenhagen on October 24, 2023 © Reuters

Having succeeded De Gea as Man United's first-choice goalkeeper, Onana has gone on to feature in all 13 of Man United's competitive games this season.

Onana's performances have come under scrutiny at times, but he proved to be the hero in Tuesday's Champions League victory over Copenhagen.

The 27-year-old made a penalty save in injury time to help Man United claim a 1-0 win following Harry Maguire's second-half header.

While Onana is regarded as Man United's undisputed number one, The Sun are reporting that De Gea could make a surprise return to the club.

De Gea is available on a free transfer, as he continues to search for a new club following his departure in the summer.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag with goalkeeper David de Gea on October 30, 2022 © Reuters

The Red Devils are concerned that they will be short in the goalkeeping department when Onana heads off to the Africa Cup of Nations to represent Cameroon in January.

Onana had retired from international duty following the 2022 World Cup, but he has since overturned his decision.

Erik ten Hag can call upon Onana's deputy Altay Bayindir, who arrived from Fenerbahce in the summer, as well as veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

However, Man United are entertaining the prospect of bringing De Gea back to Old Trafford as long as he is willing to accept a short-term deal.

During his time with the 20-time English champions, the Spaniard recorded 190 clean sheets in 545 appearances across all competitions.