After 12 years between the sticks, De Gea confirmed over the weekend he would be leaving for good following the expiration of his contract, signalling the end of an era for the club.
The 32-year-old was the last surviving player from the Sir Alex Ferguson era and was part of the last United side that lifted a Premier League title a decade ago.
De Gea deserves huge recognition for his world-class rise during those subsequent years, but there is no time for sentiment if the Reds have any serious dreams of lifting the top-flight trophy again.
His departure feels long overdue and a step in the right direction of United's gradual rebuild under Erik ten Hag, with the focus now on signing a replacement better-suited to the manager's image.
Ten Hag is looking to streamline his squad by moving on players who don't quite fit his style of play and replacing them with those who match his strict demands, whether that be as accomplished passers of the ball, or as industrious individuals capable of pressing with intensity.
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