David De Gea is set to return to Old Trafford for the first time since his 2023 exit as Man United announce pre-season friendly against Fiorentina

• David De Gea left Manchester United on a free at the end of the 2022-23 season
• The Spaniard made a record 545 appearances for a goalkeeper at Old Trafford 
• LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Why Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid paid off for Liverpool 

By CHRIS WHEELER

David De Gea is in line to return to Old Trafford for the first time since his Manchester United departure after the club announced a pre-season friendly against Fiorentina. 

Ruben Amorim’s side will face the Italians on Saturday, August 9 in the last of five pre-season games.

It will be the first time in 26 years that United have faced Fiorentina since the two clubs played in the group stage of the Champions League in the 1999-2000 season. 

The fixture could also see De Gea return to Manchester for the first time his 2023 exit. The Spanish stopper made 545 appearances for the Red Devils – the most by a goalkeeper in the club’s history – across 12 years at the club. 

De Gea left as a free agent after his contract was not renewed at the end of the season. United signed Andre Onana from Inter Milan for £43million that summer, while De Gea went without a club for more than a year before agreeing a deal in Florence.  

The 34-year-old De Gea has played every league match for Raffaele Palladino’s side after coming into the team in September and looks set to be handed an extension to remain in Serie A. 

David De Gea is in line to return to Old Trafford for the first time since his Manchester United departure

The Red Devils have announced a pre-season fixture against Serie A Fiorentina this summer

United have already confirmed that they will play Leeds in Stockholm before taking part in the Premier League Summer Series in the US

United have already confirmed that they will play Leeds in Stockholm before taking part in the Premier League Summer Series in the US against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton.

United’s technical director Jason Wilcox said: ‘This final pre-season fixture is key to our preparations for the 2025-26 campaign – it will ensure the players have all had competitive game time, against top opposition, in different environments, including Old Trafford, before the Premier League resumes.

‘We have worked closely with Ruben and his coaching staff to put together a schedule of exciting and competitive fixtures that create the best conditions for the team to prepare. 

‘This includes utilising some of the leading sporting facilities in the US, playing against strong opponents, and creating opportunities for as many fans as possible to see the team live in Sweden, the US, and, with this final fixture, back home at the Theatre of Dreams.’

Champions LeagueDavid De Gea

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David De Gea is set to return to Old Trafford for the first time since his 2023 exit as Man United announce pre-season friendly against Fiorentina

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