Manchester United fans were all excited heading into the new season, but their excitement has been dampened by the club’s torrid start to the season. It’s the same story over again, and if it continues for much longer, United fans may be left with no choice but to get numb to disappointment.
Erik ten Hag was appointed with high hopes for the club, but his second season is becoming a nightmare after a series of lacklustre on-field performances and off-field issues. United forced legend David De Gea out of the club in favour of Andre Onana, much to the dismay of some first-team players, who are now frustrated with the manager’s decision.
United stars furious over Ten Hag’s handling of De Gea’s exit
David De Gea was shown the door after 12 years at Old Trafford, becoming one of the world’s best keepers, and even won the Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets in his last season in the Premier League. De Gea became a consistent performer for Manchester United after signing as a teenager from Atletico Madrid. However, his latter years at the club were marred by constant errors, some of which led to points-dropping goals for United.
While it was obvious that Manchester United would have to get a better goalkeeper than De Gea, the way the club handled his situation stunned many people, including some first-team players. A contract extension had been agreed and was supposed to be signed upon De Gea’s arrival from vacation. In a sad turn of events, De Gea was informed that his services were no longer needed after 12 years, leaving him disappointed with the club.
“I just wanted to send this farewell to all Manchester United supporters. I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love for the last 12 years. We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club,” the Spaniard wrote in a farewell statement.
The sad part is that De Gea was not given a befitting send-off, which stunned some players. He gave his best for the club for 12 years, and the least they could have done in return was to give him a proper farewell ceremony.
Manchester United completed signing Andre Onana from Inter Milan
Shortly after De Gea’s departure, United announced the signing of Champions League finalist Andre Onana from Inter Milan. Ten Hag sanctioned a $61 million deal to bring the former Ajax goalkeeper to Old Trafford. It was a glorious reunion as both men had worked together at Ajax, winning major honours and making a run to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.
Sadly, Onana has endured a difficult start to his Manchester United career. After keeping a clean sheet in his first game in a difficult 1-0 win against Wolves on opening day, Onana has since conceded 14 goals in six games for the Reds. His latest outing was a 4-3 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, where his error led to the first goal. “It’s a difficult situation for us, especially for me because I’m the one who led the team down,” Onana admitted.
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