Man Utd announce David de Gea homecoming as summer plans take shape

Manchester United will play at Old Trafford in their final pre-season friendly before the new campaign gets under way. side will host their opponents on Saturday, August 9, kicking off at 12:45pm.

The game is the last fixture following United's three-game tour of the US, , before which they face in Stockholm. , Manchester United's Technical Director, 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 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."

The friendly match could mark former United goalkeeper first return to Old Trafford since . De Gea, 34, was released by the Red Devils in July 2023 and waited nearly a year to sign for a new club.

The Spaniard , helping them push to finish in Serie A's European places. De Gea remains good friends with a number of United players and club staff, so if he's involved, it'll no-doubt be an emotional fixture.

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De Gea's departure was announced after the season had ended, meaning that fans weren't allowed to say a proper goodbye to their long-serving No.1 and four-time Player of the Year. The shot-stopper joined United in 2011 and after a rocky start became arguably the club's most important player of the era.

But now he's enjoying a new life in Italy, having benefited from a sabbatical. "I just wanted to take it easy for a while after playing at the highest levels for many years. Perhaps, it was the best period of my life," De Gea recently revealed in an interview with Italian newspaper

"I could finally enjoy time with my family and friends whom I had seen little in the past 15 years. I travelled between Madrid and Manchester, continuing to train my mind and body."

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De Gea's contract is due to expire at the end of this season but Fiorentina have reportedly decided to trigger their one-year extension clause. "I signed for one year and the club has an option to renew," he added.

"I'm happy in Florence and at Fiorentina, but first we need to finish the season in the best possible way. The city is wonderful, and the people are amazing. The club has a unique history, and the Franchi excites me. It's beautiful and passionate. I immediately said yes to Fiorentina, Serie A has always attracted me."

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