Time against Reds in race to sign Onana

IT’S official. David de Gea has played his final match for United

- RICHARD FAY

The Spaniard’s exit has perhaps been overdue, but despite knowing for a long time that he won’t be their first choice anymore, the Reds have managed to horribly mishandle his departure when he deserved a far better farewell.

For all of his flaws, De Gea is a modern United legend and arguably the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the club. His efforts deserved to be recognised by a celebration of these achievements and they would have been had the club acted swiftly in the latter stages of last season.

“You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories,” Bruno Fernandes wrote of his close friend. Once again, the Reds have been reactive rather than proactive in the transfer window.

United’s hesitancy has cost them greatly in recent years and, even after De Gea’s departure, there is an underlying fear that it could come back to haunt them again.