Manchester United have confirmed a pre-match Old Trafford presentation to honour former goalkeeper David de Gea, who returns to the Theatre of Dreams with Fiorentina for a pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 9, 2025, marking his first appearance at the stadium since his 2023 departure.
The special ceremony, announced via the club’s official website, will celebrate De Gea’s 12-year tenure, during which he made 545 appearances and won five major trophies, including the 2013 Premier League title.
Fans are urged to arrive early for the 12:45 BST kickoff to join in tributing the Spanish goalkeeper, whose emotional return has sparked widespread excitement.
The Old Trafford presentation for David de Gea shows his enduring legacy at Manchester United, where he evolved from a 20-year-old Atlético Madrid prospect into one of the club’s greatest goalkeepers.
Signed in 2011 for £18.9 million, a then-British record for a goalkeeper, De Gea overcame early struggles to secure 182 clean sheets, a club record, and four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards.
His departure in July 2023, after contract talks with then-manager Erik ten Hag collapsed, left fans without a proper farewell, making this ceremony a poignant moment.
De Gea’s heartfelt message on X, “United Road. See you Saturday,” reflects his anticipation, with supporters responding warmly, some even joking he’s preferable to current goalkeeper Andre Onana, as seen in comments on The Mirror.
De Gea’s return with Fiorentina, where he signed in August 2024 after a year as a free agent, adds emotional weight to the friendly, which doubles as the Snapdragon Cup decider.
The 34-year-old Spaniard, now under contract until 2028, kept 11 clean sheets in 42 appearances during his debut Serie A season, revitalizing his career under coach Vincenzo Italiano.
His playful exchange with United captain Bruno Fernandes, where he teased, “You cannot score against me, and if you do, it’s because I let you,” has heightened anticipation for the match, as reported by Yahoo Sports. The presentation, set just before kickoff, will likely include a ceremonial gift, with fans expected to deliver a standing ovation for their former No. 1, a sentiment echoed across X posts.
The significance of De Gea’s Old Trafford return lies in his remarkable contributions, including 415 Premier League starts, placing him second only to Ryan Giggs (522) on United’s all-time list.
His shot-stopping prowess, highlighted by iconic saves against Arsenal’s Robin van Persie and Chelsea’s Ramires, cemented his status as a club legend, despite a challenging 2022/23 season marked by errors that led to his exit, as noted in Manchester Evening News.
The decision to replace him with Andre Onana, signed for £47.5 million from Inter Milan, remains divisive, with fans citing Onana’s struggles and expressing nostalgia for De Gea’s reliability.
The friendly offers fans a chance to celebrate his 2013 Premier League title, FA Cup, and Europa League triumphs, which defined an era under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester United’s gesture reflects their commitment to honoring past heroes, especially after De Gea’s abrupt departure denied him a proper send-off.
The Peoples Person reported that the club’s announcement encourages early arrival to ensure fans witness the ceremony, which coincides with the final pre-season match before the Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17.
Technical director Jason Wilcox emphasized the game’s role in preparing Ruben Amorim’s squad, with the presentation adding emotional resonance, per unitedinfocus.com.
Fiorentina’s visit, their first since the 1999/2000 Champions League, also marks the home debut of United’s new signing Matheus Cunha, pending visa clearance, adding further intrigue to the occasion.
The friendly, while a warm-up for the 2025/26 season, carries symbolic weight as De Gea faces former teammates like Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, who’ve shown support on social media.
His 545 appearances rank him seventh in United’s all-time list, and his 2023 Premier League Golden Glove underscores his elite status, despite criticism from Gary Neville for late-career errors.
The presentation, expected to draw over 50,000 fans per Tribuna.com, will celebrate De Gea’s resilience, from overcoming early criticism to becoming a fan favorite.
As United aim to end their pre-season unbeaten, following a U.S. tour with two wins and a draw, the event promises a heartfelt reunion, with De Gea’s legacy firmly etched in Old Trafford’s history.
