Man Utd news: David de Gea’s return confirmed as Andre Onana savaged by Red Devils icon

Manchester United have just the Europa League left to play for the remainder of the campaign but it appears that plans are already being put in place for next term

Manchester United face one of the biggest games of their season on Thursday night as they travel to Spain. The Red Devils take on La Liga side Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

And while there is silverware on the line, United might think that a place in the Champions League is the bigger prize – particularly as they get their planning for next season underway. Ruben Amorim ’s side are in dire need of a rebuild.

But there’s just one problem – they’re severely strapped for cash, hence why a return to Europe’s top table is the priority. Given how disappointing their Premier League campaign has been, their upcoming clash with Bilbao represents their last chance.

United are already in Spain ahead of the game, with Amorim having spoken. With that being said, take a look at the standout headlines from the red side of Manchester from the past 24 hours:

De Gea return announced

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is set to make an emotional return to Old Trafford this summer – but only for a friendly. The Red Devils are set to welcome the Spaniard’s current side Fiorentina for their last pre-season friendly ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The clash with the Serie A giants will take place on Saturday, August 9 and will kick off at 12:45pm. It will represent De Gea’s first return to Old Trafford since being allowed to leave by Erik ten Hag in 2023.

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 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.”

READ MORE: Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim concedes not even Europa League win would save disastrous seasonREAD MORE: Why Chido Obi-Martin has been named in Man Utd squad vs Bilbao despite Europa League ban

Onana slammed by Sheringham

On the topic of goalkeepers, current United stopper Andre Onana has been savaged by club icon Teddy Sheringham. “With Andre Onana, I’m all for the passion, but it’s not about what’s happened in the past, and it’s not about saying what you’re going to do, it’s all about results and performances on the pitch,” the former striker CasinoHawks.

“You need to shut up at times and just button your lip and just hold your tongue if you can. But I fully understand the pressure these people are under.”

Sheringham’s comments come after Onana became embroiled in a war of words with Nemanja Matic ahead of the Europa League clash with Lyon.

What team should United play vs Bilbao? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Amorim sends Bilbao warning

Ruben Amorim has told his stars to ensure this season’s heroic comeback against the French side was not for nothing. Speaking ahead of the clash with Bilbao, he said: “We’re always searching for a great moment that can change a lot of things.

“We just need to be consistent, but it was a great night. In this kind of season, you have these special moments that you can take and use to do something even more special.”

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