David de Gea received a standing ovation as he returned to Manchester United for the first time since departing the club.
De Gea returns to Old TraffordGoalkeeper features as Fiorentina face Man UtdReceives plaque from former team-mate FernandesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Every fan was on their feet as Old Trafford honoured De Gea, 34, before his new side Fiorentina took on United in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, which the Red Devils won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The goalkeeper received a special plaque from former team-mate and current United captain Bruno Fernandes as part of the tribute.
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It was the first time De Gea had the chance to bid farewell to the Old Trafford faithful in person after moving to Fiorentina on a free transfer last summer. The goalkeeper joined United in 2011 from Atletico Madrid and helped the club win eight major honours, including the Premier League title in 2012-13.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR DE GEA, MAN UTD AND FIORENTINA?
Next up for United is a mouth-watering home clash against Arsenal in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, De Gea and Fiorentina are waiting to find out who they will face in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff tie on 21 August.