Man Utd exploring unthinkable transfer that would see player return to Old Trafford

Manchester United are reportedly considering making a shock and sensational return for a player who left the club just a few seasons ago.

United begin their Premier League campaign this afternoon when facing Arsenal at Old Trafford.

It will be the beginning of Ruben Amorim's first full season in charge of the club, having made the move last November from Sporting Lisbon to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag.

United finished 15th last season in their worst ever final Premier League position and there will be no European football at all at Old Trafford this season for the first time in more than a decade.

The Old Trafford side missed the chance to be playing Champions League football this season after losing last campaign's Europa League final 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur.

Ahead of the new season, United have strengthened their forward line with Amorim having a brand new attacking trio to select.

Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves while Bryan Mbeumo has joined from Brentford, with both players expected to feature in the pair of number 10 roles behind a main striker.

And United have added a new goal threat in the form of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a £74m deal, and Amorim could hand all three players their competitive United debuts this afternoon against the Gunners.

Manchester United could be bringing David De Gea back to the club. (Image: Getty)

United still may strengthen some parts of the squad this summer, with areas of improvement including central midfield and also the goalkeeping department, where Amorim currently has Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton to choose from.

Onana arrived from Inter Milan in 2023 for an initial £43.8m, but has not sufficiently convinced in that time.

The Cameroon international arrived to replace long-time goalkeeper David De Gea, who left United that summer upon the conclusion of his contract after talks over a new deal broke down under then boss Ten Hag.

De Gea spent the following season as a free agent, before joining Italian side Fiorentina last August.

The goalkeeper - who has 45 international caps for Spain - recently returned to Old Trafford with his new team for a pre-season friendly to say farewell to the United faithful.

Or has he truly said goodbye, as reports are now suggesting United are exploring the potential of bringing De Gea back to Old Trafford.

According to The Sun, United are making 'hush-hush' checks about a return for De Gea, due to learning he has a clause in his Fiorentina contract which would allow him to leave for what is described as a 'relatively small sum'.

It is reported that 'discreet background calls' are being made after the goalkeeper made a good impression in the pre-season friendly.

De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, racking 545 appearances for the club.

In that time, the goalkeeper won the Premier League title, the FA Cup, two League Cups and the Europa League.