Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has sent shockwaves through the football community with a dramatic revelation during a private interview in Madrid—expressing a desire to return to Old Trafford in the upcoming January transfer window, but only under one striking condition.
The 34-year-old Spaniard, who departed the club in 2023 after 12 years of loyal service, confessed that despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his exit, his affection for United remains unwavering.
“I’ve always loved Manchester United, and that hasn’t changed. I still follow every match and proudly wear the badge. If it were up to me, I’d come back in a heartbeat,” De Gea said with heartfelt emotion.
However, he didn’t shy away from addressing the key obstacle to a possible comeback.
“Let me be clear,” he stated. “I won’t return unless a certain player is sold. He was a major factor in my departure.
The atmosphere in the dressing room changed dramatically when he arrived, and as long as he’s still there, I won’t come back.”
Though De Gea stopped short of naming the player, insiders close to the situation believe he was alluding to current goalkeeper André Onana.
Onana joined United in 2023—the same year De Gea left—and the two reportedly disagreed over training styles and tactical preferences.
De Gea is said to have felt increasingly marginalized under Erik ten Hag, with tensions potentially persisting into the Ruben Amorim era.
With new manager Amorim reportedly considering a surprise move to bring De Gea back as a mentor or backup, especially amid growing concerns about Onana’s performances, this ultimatum introduces a major wrinkle in United’s January transfer plans.
“I want to help United get back to winning ways,” De Gea concluded. “But harmony in the dressing room must come first. That player and I cannot be at the same club—that’s non-negotiable.”
As speculation swirls around United’s goalkeeping future, the spotlight now turns to whether the club would consider parting ways with Onana—or whoever the unnamed player may be—to clear the way for De Gea’s dramatic return.
Important note: There is no credible evidence that David De Gea has publicly stated he would only rejoin Manchester United if André Onana—or any other specific player—is sold.
