At present, there is no reliable or verifiable information to support claims that David De Gea has publicly issued an ultimatum stating he would only consider returning to Manchester United if another player, specifically André Onana, were sold.
The explosive quotes circulating across various platforms appear to be completely fabricated and lack any backing from credible journalists, reputable news outlets, or official club statements.
These rumors seem to be part of sensationalized clickbait content rather than grounded in any factual reporting.
To clarify the facts: David De Gea, who served as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper from 2011 until his departure in 2023, did indeed leave Old Trafford after failing to agree on a contract extension with the club.
Following his exit, De Gea remained a free agent for some time before joining Fiorentina, where he has since been performing solidly.
During his tenure at United, De Gea established himself as one of the most consistent and loyal servants of the club, but his departure was due largely to changes in tactical preferences and managerial decisions rather than personal conflicts with any particular player.
It is true that since De Gea’s departure, André Onana has faced considerable scrutiny for his performances between the sticks at Manchester United.
Onana, who arrived from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, has been criticized for several high-profile mistakes, particularly in crucial matches.
These performances have led to some supporters voicing nostalgia for De Gea’s previous reliability and even suggesting that Manchester United should consider bringing the Spaniard back.
However, these fan-driven sentiments are purely speculative and do not reflect any official club plans or demands made by De Gea himself.
No credible media outlet, whether it be Fabrizio Romano, The Athletic, Sky Sports, or BBC Sport, has reported any statements from De Gea in which he conditions his return on the sale of Onana or any other player.
There are also no interviews available from reputable sources in which De Gea makes the kinds of fiery declarations currently making the rounds online.
The narrative suggesting a feud between De Gea and Onana, complete with dressing room conflicts and training ground disagreements, is entirely unsupported by trustworthy reporting and appears to have been manufactured for dramatic effect.
While it’s plausible that internal discussions may take place within Manchester United about potentially reshaping the goalkeeper position, particularly under new manager Ruben Amorim, there is no evidence that these conversations involve any ultimatums or personal vendettas.
Amorim and the club’s hierarchy, including technical director Jason Wilcox and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, may explore various options to strengthen the squad, but any decision would be driven by sporting and financial considerations, not personal rivalries or dramatic demands.
In summary, the widely circulated story claiming David De Gea has demanded another player’s exit before considering a return to Old Trafford is entirely false and unsubstantiated.
The narrative appears to have originated from gossip-driven outlets and holds no weight in serious football journalism.
While De Gea’s deep affection for Manchester United is well-known, any rumors suggesting he has made demands regarding other players are purely fabrications without any credible backing.
