Erik ten Hag confirms Man Utd will mark David de Gea exit as send-off planned

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that the club are planning a send-off for goalkeeper David de Gea.

The Spaniard officially left Old Trafford on July 1 upon the expiry of his contract, having spent 12 years at the club.

The overwhelming majority of those 12 years saw De Gea operate as United's number one goalkeeper, and he established himself as one of the top shot-stoppers in world football.

The Spaniard provided United fans with many memorable moments, not least his stunning display of goalkeeping during his side's 3-1 win at Arsenal in 2017.

But high-profile errors towards the end of last season called his place in the side into question, and despite both parties being locked in talks over a new contract, United eventually allowed De Gea to become a free agent.

Ten Hag has already secured his replacement, with Andre Onana joining the club from Inter Milan on Thursday for a reported fee of £47.2 million.

And speaking ahead of United's pre-season friendly against Arsenal on Saturday, the Dutch manager confirmed that a send-off is planned for his former shot-stopper.

Ten Hag confirms De Gea Man Utd farewell

Despite coming in for some criticism last season, De Gea did win the Premier League's Golden Glove award for most clean sheets by a single goalkeeper - and Ten Hag paid tribute to that fact.

He told reporters (quotes via Manchester Evening News): "David has made a contribution to our results last year.

"All the clean sheets he made but also always a team performance because we defend with 11. It was obvious David played a big role, a huge contribution.

"But there is a time for every player to leave a club. It was the right moment from our perspective."

Ten Hag then revealed how United will mark the Spaniard's long tenure at Old Trafford.

"If it was up to me," he began, "David, after 545 games and all his contributions and such a long period - it's massive what he did.

"He's a legend, so we have to say farewell, and with all the fans, absolutely."

De Gea is still without a club after his Old Trafford exit, with the Daily Record claiming he turned down an offer of £83,000-per-week to replace Onana at San Siro.

Topics: Manchester United, David De Gea, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.