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Former Manchester United assistant coach Mike Phelan suggests David de Gea’s exit was a mistake.
One in all Erik ten Hag’s boldest switch choices as United supervisor was letting De Gea depart Outdated Trafford in 2023, bringing an finish to his 12-year keep in Manchester.
De Gea was a fan favorite at United, having made a membership file 545 appearances for a goalkeeper. Throughout that interval he additionally turned the goalkeeper with probably the most clear sheets (190) for the Mancunians.
As such, not many anticipated the Spaniard to go away the membership on the age of 32, and that too as a free agent.
Phelan, who was a part of United’s teaching workers beneath Sir Alex Ferguson in addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, additionally didn’t count on De Gea to half methods with the Premier League giants.
Chatting with Firenze Viola (through Sport Witness), Phelan, who was on the membership when United signed De Gea from Atletico Madrid, revealed: “No, it doesn’t shock me [that De Gea moved to Italy]. If something, what shocked me was that he determined to go away Manchester United in the summertime. Or slightly that United didn’t affirm him. It was a little bit of a untimely determination for my part.”
When requested if the Spain worldwide’s exit is a “remorse” for the Pink Devils, Phelan stated: “Sure, it’s. I used to be very unhappy that he left. I’ve labored with David because the starting of his profession and I believe he’s a really critical skilled, somebody who works laborious each day he goes to the sphere to coach.”
Regardless of his stature, it wasn’t straightforward for De Gea to discover a appropriate membership following his departure from United. He needed to await over a 12 months earlier than Fiorentina got here calling, handing him a chance to ply his commerce in Italy in 2024.
The 34-year-old has up to now loved life in Florence, elevating many eyebrows along with his phenomenal saves. He earned loads of plaudits for saving two penalties against AC Milan earlier this marketing campaign.
Having stated that, so far as United are involved, De Gea’s absence hasn’t been felt.
Ten Hag’s determination to interchange the veteran with Andre Onana has paid dividends, with the ex-Inter Milan star impressing followers and pundits alike along with his composure in possession and sharp saves.
No goalkeeper has earned extra clear sheets (5) than the United no 1 within the Premier League this season.
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