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Former Manchester United assistant coach Mike Phelan suggests David de Gea’s exit was a mistake.
One in every of Erik ten Hag’s boldest change selections as United supervisor was letting De Gea depart Outdated Trafford in 2023, bringing an end to his 12-year preserve in Manchester.
De Gea was a fan favourite at United, having made a membership file 545 appearances for a goalkeeper. All through that interval he moreover turned the goalkeeper with in all probability essentially the most clear sheets (190) for the Mancunians.
As such, not many anticipated the Spaniard to go away the membership on the age of 32, and that too as a free agent.
Phelan, who was part of United’s instructing staff beneath Sir Alex Ferguson along with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, moreover didn’t depend on De Gea to half strategies with the Premier League giants.
Chatting with Firenze Viola (via Sport Witness), Phelan, who was on the membership when United signed De Gea from Atletico Madrid, revealed: “No, it doesn’t shock me [that De Gea moved to Italy]. If one thing, what shocked me was that he decided to go away Manchester United within the summertime. Or barely that United didn’t affirm him. It was a bit of little bit of a premature willpower individually.”
When requested if the Spain worldwide’s exit is a “regret” for the Pink Devils, Phelan said: “Certain, it’s. I was very sad that he left. I’ve labored with David as a result of the beginning of his occupation and I consider he’s a extremely essential expert, someone who works laborious every day he goes to the sphere to educate.”
No matter his stature, it wasn’t simple for De Gea to find a acceptable membership following his departure from United. He wanted to await over a 12 months sooner than Fiorentina obtained right here calling, handing him an opportunity to ply his commerce in Italy in 2024.
The 34-year-old has thus far beloved life in Florence, elevating many eyebrows alongside along with his phenomenal saves. He earned a great deal of plaudits for saving two penalties in opposition to AC Milan earlier this advertising and marketing marketing campaign.
Having said that, as far as United are concerned, De Gea’s absence hasn’t been felt.
Ten Hag’s willpower to interchange the veteran with Andre Onana has paid dividends, with the ex-Inter Milan star impressing followers and pundits alike alongside along with his composure in possession and sharp saves.
No goalkeeper has earned further clear sheets (5) than the United no 1 throughout the Premier League this season.
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