Ex-United star set for emotional Old Trafford reunion after club’s latest announcement

David de Gea is poised to make a return to Old Trafford for the first time since his departure in 2023, following Manchester United’s confirmation that they will play Fiorentina as their fifth and final pre-season fixture.

United will take on Fiorentina on Saturday 9 August. Kick-off is at 12:45 BST. The winners of the contest will be crowned champions of the Snapdragon Cup.

Ending our pre-season preparations at Old Trafford 👊🔥

United will host Fiorentina in the @Snapdragon Cup on Saturday 9 August, with kick-off at 12:45 BST 🤝#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 30, 2025

This will mark the first meeting between United and Fiorentina in 26 years, with their last encounter taking place during the group stage of the 1999/2000 Champions League season.

Even more notably, it could mark De Gea’s return to United, three years after his departure. During his 12-year spell at the club, he made 545 appearances — the most by any goalkeeper in the club’s history.

The Spaniard parted ways with United following the expiry of his contract, with Erik ten Hag opting to bring in Andre Onana as his replacement.

De Gea then signed for Fiorentina after spending a season without a club, and he is currently their first-choice goalkeeper.

He has made 31 Serie A appearances this term, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding 31 goals.

A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Fiorentina are planning to hand the 34-year-old a contract extension.

Jason Wilcox, Manchester United’s technical director, said, “This final pre-season fixture is key to our preparations for the 2025/26 campaign – it will ensure the players have all had competitive game-time, against top opposition, in different environments, including Old Trafford, before the Premier League resumes.”

“We have worked closely with Ruben [Amorim] and his coaching staff to put together a schedule of exciting and competitive fixtures that create the best conditions for the team to prepare.”

“This includes utilising some of the leading sporting facilities in the US, playing against strong opponents, and creating opportunities for as many fans as possible to see the team live in Sweden, the US, and, with this final fixture, back home at the Theatre of Dreams.”

Meanwhile, United are back in action on Thursday when they face Athletic Club in the first round of their Europa League semi-final tie.

Featured image Simone Arveda via Getty Images

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