Manchester United fans will have the chance to see a familiar face return to Old Trafford this summer in what promises to be an emotional reunion.
The club have officially confirmed the final fixture of its pre-season campaign, set to take place on 9 August against Fiorentina, just one week before the new Premier League season kicks off.
The game will be Ruben Amorim’s last opportunity to fine-tune his squad ahead of the new campaign, and it will also mark a special moment for the United faithful.
As confirmed by Manchester United’s official website, club legend David de Gea is set for a return to the Theatre of Dreams.
This time as Fiorentina’s No.1.
After a year away from the game following his departure from United in 2023, De Gea joined the Serie A side last August and has just signed a new contract that keeps him in Italy until 2028.
The 34-year-old has enjoyed a strong debut season with the Viola, making 42 appearances and keeping 11 clean sheets.
He has continued to show flashes of the shot-stopping brilliance that earned him four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards during his time in Manchester.
David de Gea is expected to receive a warm welcome from fans when he steps out at Old Trafford once again, nearly two years after his final appearance for the club.
The Fiorentina clash will also serve as a home debut for new signing Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian forward is awaiting visa and registration clearance to complete his move from Wolves, according to the club website.
United’s full pre-season schedule:
- Sat 19 July: Leeds United (Stockholm, 14:00 BST)
- Sun 27 July: West Ham United (New Jersey, 00:00 BST)
- Thu 31 July: Bournemouth (Chicago, 02:30 BST)
- Sun 3 August: Everton (Atlanta, 22:00 BST)
- Sat 9 August: Fiorentina (Old Trafford, 12:45 BST)
Tickets for the Fiorentina fixture are on sale now.
United supporters have the chance to honour a former hero and witness the club’s final preparations before the new season begins.
De Gea was in fact, rumoured to be signing for United second time round.
However that saga was quickly put to bed in April.