David De Gea: A Manchester United Legend

David de Gea's departure from Manchester United after 12 years has brought to an end an era. The Spanish goalkeeper was the last remaining member of the squad that won United's last Premier League title in 2013, and he leaves as the club's record holder for both appearances (545) and clean sheets (190).

De Gea's time at United was not always smooth sailing. He endured a difficult first season in England, making a number of high-profile errors that led to calls for his head. However, he quickly adapted to the English game and established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. A pivotal moment that signalled his change in fortunes was the wonder save at Stamford Bridge in the 11/12 season to save an effort from his then-to-be future teammate, Juan Mata.

De Gea's peak years came between 2013 and 2018 when he was named United's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year on four occasions. He was also included in the PFA Team of the Year on five occasions during this period, and he was named in the FIFA FIFPro World11 in 2018. His consistency began in the 14/15 season as he single-handedly ensured Man Utd finished in the top 4 that year with countless Man of the Match performances across the season. Although the next season his move to Real Madrid collapsed in the final minutes many thought his focus and form would take a dip. Despite this, he came back as a great professional as he always has been and performed at the highest level for United that season (15/16) once again making countless worldie saves and dragging United from tight positions in games.

De Gea's performances were crucial to United's success during this period. He saved countless points for the team, and he was often the difference between winning and losing. He was particularly outstanding between 2016-2018 under Jose Mourinho, when he helped United to win the Europa League and the League Cup. Also during that time, he made a catalogue of 'impossible' and 'cat-like' saves that all goalkeepers dream of making. A notable performance was Arsenal away in 17/18 where United were 3-1 victors. While the scoreline suggests United had it easy, it was rather the opposite. De Gea made a record 14 saves in the match and practically ensured 3 points went to Man Utd. Any other keeper, and Arsenal would have won by a cricket score.

De Gea's form has dipped in recent years, but he remains a world-class goalkeeper. He won the Premier League Golden Glove in 2022-23, and he was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the sixth time.

De Gea's departure from United is a major loss for the club. He has been a consistent performer for many years, and he has been one of the most important players in the team's history. He will be remembered as a Manchester United legend.

In addition to his on-field achievements, De Gea was also a popular figure among United fans. He was known for his positive attitude and his willingness to engage with supporters. He was also a vocal leader in the dressing room, and he was respected by his teammates.

Although his form took a dip ever since the 2018 world cup. The game began to change and keepers nowadays are expected to be competent on the ball and play line breaking and accurate passes from the back. A weak point in de gea's game that many knew from the start. While he was good at saving the ball with his feet, his composure and accuracy were very inconsistent. Another issue was De Gea's lack of presence in his box. He was not a commanding keeper, someone who collected crosses or sweeping up through balls from the opposition. These were all known weak points of his game. And as the game shifted and demanded more of these attributes, De Gea's form at United became littered with errors seen at the start of his career. 

He cost United the Europa League in 2021 by missing the decisive penalty which took a major hit on his status at the club. Many fans began to turn on the Spanish shot-stopper. However, the following season, while it was the club's worst-ever season in its history. De Gea, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, were the only two players that helped United stay in the top half of the table. De Gea made a variety of crucial game-winning saves or point-saving saves in that season and the evidence is there on his season highlights. While he is poor with his feet and commanding a box, his contribution that season was vital to ensure United didn't sink any lower.

De Gea has always made world-class saves in every season he's played. But in recent years we have seen more mistakes than good saves which has ultimately lost his trust to continue being the number 1 at United. As mentioned before the game has changed and so has style of play and it is something De Gea simply lacks. The 22/23 season was evident that it was time to move on, while again he made some match-winning saves he cost the club very important matches due to his poor distribution and lack of presence in the box. (Sevilla away and the FA Cup final being the most notable). While it was a frustrating end to his career at a club to which he always gave 100 per cent, he should still be regarded as a legend for his stats and his immense service post-Ferguson era as he was one of the very few shining lights in this very dismal period.

The owners have also let down a loyal servant with the circus around the contract situation which only further highlighted their incompetence of managing Man Utd. While they made the correct decision in letting him leave, the way they went about it was immoral and wrong and has put De Gea in a bad light when he should not be.

De Gea's departure from United is a sad day for the club. He has been a loyal servant to the club for many years and has significantly contributed to its success. He will be missed by fans and teammates alike. 

What does the future hold for De Gea? He is still only 31 years old, so he has plenty of years left at the top. He is likely to be in demand from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, and he will be looking to win more trophies in the years to come.

De Gea will always be remembered as a Manchester United legend whatever the future holds. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the club's history and has played a key role in some of the most successful periods in the club's recent history.