De Gea teases fans over Man Utd return while Rooney backs Donnarumma

Manchester United’s goalkeeping crisis has seen former shot-stopper David de Gea teasing fans on Instagram and Wayne Rooney urging them to pursue Gianluigi Donnarumma.

De Gea, who left Old Trafford in 2023 after 12 glittering years, posted the cryptic message “we could meet again” on his Instagram story earlier this month.

The 33-year-old is currently at Fiorentina but has remained closely connected with United supporters, many of whom have called for his return amid mounting doubts over André Onana.

The Cameroonian was dropped for the season opener at Arsenal, while back-up Altay Bayındır came under fire for a costly error in the 1–0 defeat.

With United leaking confidence at the back, the possibility of De Gea returning as a stabilising short-term solution has gathered momentum.

His legendary status and proven shot-stopping ability would undoubtedly bring reassurance, though critics question whether such a move risks undermining Amorim’s attempts to modernise United’s playing style.

Rooney, meanwhile, has thrown his weight behind a bold alternative. Speaking to pundits this week, United’s all-time top scorer insisted the club should target Gianluigi Donnarumma, describing him as “one of the best in the world.”

The Italy No.1, who recently confirmed his intention to leave PSG, would represent a marquee signing but comes with hefty wage demands reportedly in excess of £400,000 per week.

United may need to offload several squad players to make such a deal financially viable.

Donnarumma’s arrival would be a statement of intent, aligning with United’s ambition to compete at the top level in Europe, but it would also demand significant sacrifices in other areas of the squad.

De Gea’s homecoming, by contrast, would be more pragmatic, offering familiarity and short-term cover while avoiding a huge outlay.

As the transfer window ticks down, United face a defining decision: pursue the romance of a De Gea return, break the bank for Donnarumma, or persist with the under-fire Onana.

Whatever the outcome, the club’s goalkeeping conundrum threatens to shape the trajectory of Amorim’s first season in charge.