Rio Ferdinand left 'gutted' over Man United's treatment of David de Gea in honest assessment

Rio Ferdinand has slammed Manchester United for their treatment of David de Gea and revealed the 'only way' he will remain at Old Trafford.

De Gea will become a free agent on July 1 unless Man United agree terms with the goalkeeper.

The 32-year-old has been in talks with the club over a new deal, with Erik ten Hag thought to be keen on snapping up a new stopper this summer.

Andre Onana, who played with Ten Hag at Ajax, has been strongly linked with a move to Man United as he impressed fans during his showing in the Champions League final against Manchester City.

Onana is reportedly being eyed to replace De Gea, who agreed reduced terms with Man United until the club backed out of the deal, according to reports.

David de Gea in action for Manchester United. Image: Alamy

Ferdinand doesn't like the handling of De Gea and says he's 'gutted' with how the player has been treated considering his service to the club.

"It’s a funny situation. Whether you think David de Gea is good enough for Manchester United anymore is up for debate," he said on his YouTube channel.

"But he’s been an unreal servant to this football club. He’s been there for 12 years and been Player for the Year multiple times. In the main he’s served the club remarkably well, he’s an outstanding professional.

"There’s a lot of people calling for him to leave and that’s understandable and fair. I’m just a little bit gutted with how the club have handled this.

"It comes down to communication. I’m seeing more and more players leave with a sour taste and it’s not right. I don’t think it’s fair on the player."

The Man United legend continued by claiming the 'only way' De Gea stays with the Premier League giants is if they fail to lure Onana or another goalkeeper during the transfer window.

He added: "David must be sitting there and thinking, 'I never dreamed that I would leave the club in this way, in this manner'. I look at it now and how does David de Gea stay?

"The only way he stays is if United can’t get Onana or whichever goalkeeper they go for. It would be difficult for him though because he’ll be looking at the club in a different light.

"It was love before, maybe it’s business now. It’s disappointing and I hope it gets sorted out, for David and the club’s sake."