Will De Gea Start? Manchester United's Goalkeeping Dilemma Before Bilbao

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Post on May 02, 2025

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Will De Gea Start? Manchester United's Goalkeeping Dilemma Before Bilbao

Manchester United faces a crucial pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao, but a significant question mark hangs over Old Trafford: who will be between the sticks? The ongoing goalkeeping dilemma surrounding David de Gea's future and the rise of Andre Onana has left fans and pundits alike speculating wildly. This isn't just a friendly; it's a potential glimpse into Erik ten Hag's plans for the upcoming season, and the starting goalkeeper could offer significant clues.

<h3>De Gea's Uncertain Future</h3>

David de Gea's long and illustrious career at Manchester United appears to be nearing its end. After a decade-plus of service, his contract expired, leaving his future hanging precariously. While negotiations continued into the summer, the Spaniard's departure seemed increasingly likely, especially with the arrival of Andre Onana. De Gea's legendary shot-stopping abilities are undeniable, but his distribution and comfort with the ball at his feet have often been criticized under Ten Hag's possession-based system. His potential absence against Bilbao would certainly be felt.

<h3>Onana's Arrival and Impact</h3>

The arrival of Andre Onana from Inter Milan signals a significant shift in Manchester United's goalkeeping philosophy. Onana is known for his exceptional ball-playing skills, a crucial component of Ten Hag's tactical approach. His ability to initiate attacks from the back and his comfort under pressure make him a perfect fit for the manager's style. The pre-season friendly against Bilbao provides a perfect platform to showcase these talents and solidify his position as the number one.

<h3>The Bilbao Test: A Crucial Pre-Season Matchup</h3>

The friendly against Athletic Bilbao offers Ten Hag a valuable opportunity to assess his squad before the Premier League season kicks off. The starting goalkeeper choice will be a key indicator of his thinking. Will he opt for experience and familiarity with De Gea, perhaps offering a farewell performance to the club legend? Or will he fully embrace the future with Onana, giving him valuable game time to integrate into the team's dynamics?

<h3>Predicting the Starter: A Difficult Task</h3>

Predicting the starting goalkeeper is challenging. Both keepers bring unique strengths and weaknesses, and the decision likely hinges on Ten Hag's tactical priorities for the match against Bilbao. Recent training sessions and the manager’s pre-match press conference will offer crucial hints. However, the suspense is palpable, and the anticipation is high among United fans eagerly awaiting the team sheet.

<h3>Beyond the Bilbao Match: Long-Term Goalkeeping Strategy</h3>

Regardless of who starts against Bilbao, the long-term goalkeeping strategy at Manchester United is clearly shifting. Onana's arrival represents a clear commitment to a more proactive, possession-based style of play, demanding a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball. De Gea's potential departure marks the end of an era, but the arrival of Onana signifies a promising new chapter for the club. The Bilbao match is simply the first step in this exciting new phase.

• Key factors in Ten Hag's decision: Player fitness, tactical considerations, and squad integration.
• Potential outcomes: De Gea starts, showcasing his legendary shot-stopping; Onana starts, demonstrating his ball-playing ability; or a surprise choice, indicating a possible third-choice goalkeeper's potential.
• Impact on the match: The goalkeeper's performance could significantly influence the game's outcome and offer crucial insights into United's overall strategy for the upcoming season.

The Manchester United versus Athletic Bilbao friendly is more than just a pre-season warm-up; it's a pivotal moment that will shape the club's future between the posts. All eyes will be on Old Trafford to see who gets the nod. The goalkeeping dilemma is far from resolved, but the answer may well be revealed soon.