Man Utd exploring sensational Old Trafford return for David de Gea just days after keeper dropped cryptic hint to fans

MANCHESTER UNITED are making hush-hush checks about a remarkable return for keeper and club legend David de Gea.

The Red Devils have been tipped off that the Spaniard, 34, has a clause in his deal at Fiorentina — allowing him to leave for a relatively small sum.

Now discreet background calls are being made after De Gea made a good impression on his return to Old Trafford for a friendly last weekend and told fans their “paths may cross again”.

Ahead of their opener with Arsenal, boss Ruben Amorim has kept Andre Onana guessing over whether he will be his No.1 this term.

Amorim said: “It is like the other players. They all have to win their place. I am not going to say if one guy is number one.”

De Gea made 545 appearances for United between 2011 and 2023, putting him seventh on their all-time list.

But a dip in form and a contract dispute led to his exit, then former boss Erik ten Hag paid £43.8million to Inter Milan for Onana.

De Gea was without a club for the entire 2023-24 season but his hunger and form has returned at Fiorentina.

United ideally need Onana, 29, or Turkish back-up stopper Altay Bayindir to leave to free up wages.

But they could still find a way to accommodate him if De Gea was cheap enough.

He was presented with a framed picture by former teammate Bruno Fernandes during a pre-season friendly, which finished 1-1, between United and Fiorentina.

De Gea then posted on Instagram: “A magical moment for me and my family to come back to Old Trafford — my home.

“From the bottom of my heart — I want to say thank you for the reception — for all the love you showed me.

“To the supporters that never stopped being with me throughout my time at this club. Our paths may cross again.”

Cameroon international Onana is expected to start against the Gunners on Sunday, despite missing all of pre-season with a hamstring injury.

United have been linked with several goalkeepers this summer leading to speculation he may be replaced.

Among them are Emi Martinez of Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and John Victor of Botafogo.

However, Amorim showed faith in the former Inter man during some tough times last season and there has been no new stopper signed this summer.

The Portuguese added: “He is ready to go to the game. Let’s wait. You will know on Sunday.

“Myself as a coach, the players who were here last year, we can do better. I have full confidence on that.”

Onana returned to training at the beginning of the week after getting an injury in early July.

Bayindir, 27, was expected to be sold this summer but has ended up deputising during their unbeaten build up to the season.

Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, 23, was on United’s list but he is now in talks with Inter.