Manchester United set record straight over sensational David De Gea return
GETTY
EXCLUSIVE: The club have responded to talk of a blockbuster return
Manchester United have responded to speculation that David De Gea could be on his way back to Old Trafford.
Reports overnight suggested the veteran was being targeted by Erik ten Hag to replace Andre Onana when the African Cup of Nations commences in the New Year.
De Gea signed from Atletico Madrid back in 2011 charged with the task of replacing Edwin van der Sar, who won four Premier League crowns at Old Trafford.
He experienced a shaky start to life at United, dropping clangers in matches against the likes of Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag decided to ditch David De Gea back in the summer
GETTY
By the end of his time at United, however, De Gea has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in their entire history.
Though he won just a solitary league title, he was arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet during the years when Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and David Moyes all ruled the roost.
United initially planned on keeping hold of De Gea back in the summer.
However, they then performed a U-turn and ruthlessly let the veteran go.
The Red Devils proceeded to recruit Andre Onana from Inter Milan as a replacement, 12 months after the Cameroon international had moved to the San Siro on a free transfer.
Onana has, however, endured a shaky start to life at Old Trafford so far.
But GB News understands De Gea isn't on his way back to the club and speculation is wide of the mark, with the Red Devils having no plans to recruit another goalkeeper for the time being.
The Spain international is currently back in Manchester and recently met up with former team-mates Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Tom Heaton.
He loved his time at United but a move back seems to be off the table.
The Red Devils have re-signed several former players in recent years.
Back in 2016, the club spent big to raid Juventus for Paul Pogba - who had departed four years previously.
United expected big things from the France international after his Hollywood homecoming.
But though Pogba had his moments he failed to live up to expectations and was unable to inspire the club to either Premier League or Champions League glory.
In 2021, Heaton came back to challenge De Gea and Dean Henderson for a starting berth.
Though the veteran barely plays, he is believed to be a valuable member of the club's dressing room.
That same year, United also re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portugal international had been widely expected to leave Juventus for Manchester City after opting to quit Turin for a new challenge.
Ronaldo would score 27 goals for United, including a memorable hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Tottenham.
However, he was shown the door last winter after criticising Erik ten Hag in a bombshell interview.
Ronaldo is still going strong in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr and has more goals than any other player in 2023 so far.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Manchester United signed Andre Onana as a replacement for David De Gea back in the summer
GETTY
Upon leaving United earlier this year, meanwhile, De Gea penned an emotional message to the club's supporters.
"I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters," he said.
"I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years.
"We've achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club.
"I took incredible pride everytime I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestowed upon a few lucky footballers.
Manchester United saw David De Gea become a club legend during his time at Old Trafford
GETTY
"It's been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here.
"I didn't think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together.
"Now, it's the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings.
"Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We've seen it all."