Being one of the biggest clubs in world football, Manchester United have completed some hugely exciting signings over the years.
While they don’t always work out, the Red Devils have signed more than their fair share of bona fide superstars over the years, like Paul Pogba and Ángel Di María, just to name a couple.
However, when it comes to the transfer that captured the most headlines and caused the most excitement among the fans, it’s hard to look past Cristiano Ronaldo’s return in 2021.
Interestingly, if reports are to be believed, United are looking to make another signing in that vein this summer.
United working on Ronaldo repeat
While last season was Manchester United’s worst in the Premier League era, the club have had an excellent summer when it comes to transfers.
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While it looked like they’d struggle to bring in their targets at one point, the Red Devils have now overhauled their entire frontline with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Yet, instead of sitting back and being pleased with their efforts, the club look intent on making more signings, and are now looking at a deal which would be very reminiscent of Ronaldo’s in 2021.
At least that is according to a recent report from the Sun, which claims United are interested in David de Gea.
In fact, the report has revealed that INEOS and Co have been making ‘discreet calls’ behind the scenes and have been tipped off that a clause in their former player’s current contract with Fiorentina could see him ‘leave for a relatively small sum.’
It’s unclear what that fee would be, but given Andre Onana’s struggles last year, United should pay it and bring the Spaniard back, just like they did with Ronaldo.
Why De Gea would be Ronaldo 2.0
While there are probably other signings you could compare it to, especially when it comes to the position, there are a few reasons why bringing De Gea in this summer would feel a lot like Ronaldo’s move in 2021.
The first is obviously the fact that it would be United resigning an old player, although more than that, it would be the club bringing back someone who had been one of their very best players for years.
During his time in the North West, the “phenomenal” Spaniard, as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand, made an astounding 545 appearances for the Red Devils, in which he kept 190 clean sheets, averaged 1.84 points per game and won more than his fair share of major honours, including one Premier League title, an FA Cup and the Europa League.
Moreover, like the former Real Madrid star, the shot-stopper would be making his way back to Old Trafford from Serie A, and he would also almost certainly do so under the promise he’d get plenty of first-team football this season.
After all, one of the primary reasons this deal even seems plausible is the fact that Andre Onana has been an issue for the club, and they need someone more reliable between the sticks as soon as possible.
Saves
2.74
2.59
Save %
72.6%
68.9%
Clean Sheets
0.31
0.26
Clean Sheet %
31.4%
31.4%
Penalty Save %
66.7%
25.0%
Passing Accuracy
73.2%
72.6%
Key Passes
0.09
0.03
We can see that the former United star would be able to fulfil that role by looking at both players’ underlying numbers from last season, as in almost every relevant metric from saves per game to save percentage and even passing accuracy, he comes out on top.
Ultimately, while some might argue United shouldn’t go back for a player they sold in the past, it’s clear they need a more reliable goalkeeper this season, and from everything we’ve seen over the last year or two, it’s clear that De Gea is precisely that.
Therefore, just as they did with Ronaldo four years ago, the Red Devils should bring the Spaniard back to Old Trafford.