David de Gea posts cryptic emoji message after being linked with a return to Manchester United

David de Gea appears to have responded to rumours of a potential return to Manchester United with a cryptic post on social media.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who made 545 appearances across a 12-year spell at Old Trafford, became a free agent in July after failing to agree terms on a new contract.

He has been linked with a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League of late, as well as a switch to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who were said to be 'considering' a move for the shot-stopper.

But a report from The Sun on Wednesday night suggested his former side are planning to offer De Gea a short-term deal.

It comes amid concerns they will be lacking in the goalkeeper department when Andre Onana goes to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Onana, who returned to the Cameroon squad in September after a suspension led to his dismissal from last winter's World Cup, will be away for a lengthy period.

AFCON will begin on January 13th and end on February 11th, meaning the 27-year-old could miss as many as eight games for his new club.

Several hours after those reports emerged and De Gea has taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to post the 'thinking face' emoji.

Under the message, many fans have encouraged the former Manchester United number one to make a return to Old Trafford, although the Spaniard admitted in the summer that he was looking for a “new challenge”.

Shortly after leaving United, last season's Golden Glove winner said: "I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters.

"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 every time 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.

"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."

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