Will De Gea Start? Manchester United's Goalkeeping Situation Before Athletic Bilbao Clash

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Post on May 03, 2025

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Will De Gea Start? Manchester United's Goalkeeping Situation Before Athletic Bilbao Clash

The question on every Manchester United fan's lips ahead of their pre-season clash with Athletic Bilbao: Will David de Gea start in goal? The Spaniard's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the team's preparations and adding a layer of intrigue to their upcoming friendly. This uncertainty surrounding De Gea’s position presents a fascinating subplot to the pre-season campaign and has fueled intense speculation amongst fans and pundits alike.

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

David de Gea's contract with Manchester United expired at the end of June, leaving his future hanging in the balance. While negotiations have been ongoing, no agreement has been reached, sparking widespread rumors linking him with a move away from the club. His departure wouldn't just be a loss of a highly experienced goalkeeper; it would represent the end of an era at Old Trafford, where he's spent the past 12 seasons. The impact of his potential absence is a major talking point for United supporters.

<h3>The Contenders for the Number One Spot</h3>

With De Gea's status unclear, the spotlight shines on other goalkeepers within the Manchester United squad. Andre Onana, the recently signed Cameroonian international, is widely considered the favorite to take over the starting role. His impressive performances at Inter Milan last season, including the Champions League final, make him a strong candidate to be the new number one. He brings a different style of play compared to De Gea, favouring a more proactive approach to sweeping up behind the defence. This difference in styles will be interesting to watch unfold.

Other options for Erik ten Hag include veteran goalkeeper, Tom Heaton. While highly experienced and respected within the squad, he's unlikely to be a long-term solution. He’s a reliable backup but isn't expected to dislodge Onana from the starting position.

<h3>The Athletic Bilbao Friendly: A Crucial Test</h3>

The pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao provides a significant opportunity for Erik ten Hag to assess his goalkeeping options. The game is a vital test for the players, offering a chance to build match fitness and for Ten Hag to experiment with different formations and line-ups.

• If De Gea starts: It could signal a last-minute contract agreement or simply a chance for him to maintain match fitness before a potential move.
• If Onana starts: It will be a key moment for the Cameroonian to make an early impression and stake his claim as the club’s undisputed number one.

The manager's decision will be closely scrutinized, not only for the immediate implications but also for what it reveals about the club's long-term goalkeeping strategy.

<h3>What to Expect</h3>

Regardless of who starts, the match against Athletic Bilbao promises to be an exciting encounter. The focus on the goalkeeping position adds an extra layer of interest, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding De Gea's future and the highly anticipated debut of Onana. Fans will be watching closely to see how the new season shapes up, both on and off the pitch. The pre-season friendly offers a fascinating glimpse into Manchester United's future, and the goalkeeping situation will undoubtedly be a key talking point for weeks to come. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in deciding the future of the goalkeeping position for Manchester United.