(Credit: Getty Images, Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Mon 18 August 2025 16:00, UK

Man United are considering a “surprise” move to re-sign David de Gea before the transfer window closes, according to their former chief scout.

Leeds face competition for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as 'EFL giants plot shock deal'	Sources: Man City plot €100 million move for player wanted by Liverpool and Arsenal	David Raya wows in Man United vs Arsenal as brilliant full stats revealed

Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the 34-year-old could agree a short-term return to the Premier League.

United do not view De Gea as a long-term replacement for Andre Onana, but view a new addition between the sticks as a priority in the window’s closing stages.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 4 August that Man United want to sign a new goalkeeper as Ruben Amorim is determined to upgrade his options.

Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma had both been on their list of targets but are now considered unlikely.

Brown told Football Insider in June that United were prepared to hold talks with Martinez, and they have since seen a loan offer turned down by Villa.

David de Gea could make a shock return to Man United.

(Credit: Getty Images)

This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Brown told Football Insider in June that Man United are prepared to sell Onana as they step up their efforts to land his replacement in the transfer market.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa, explained that having been unable to shift the goalkeeper, United have instead set their sights on a short-term option.

“United have been looking at David de Gea,” he told Football Insider.

“He’s available on a cheap deal and they see him as an upgrade on what they’ve currently got.

“United don’t see it as a long-term step forward, it would be more of a stop-gap.

“The staff know him and the crowd know him, so it takes away from that feeling at the moment of always being worried if the goalkeeper is going to make an error.

Ruben Amorim is determined to strengthen his squad.

(Credit: Imago)

“It’s come as a bit of a surprise, but it’s more of a stable and reliable option, which counts for a lot.

“I think it would be a short-term deal while they’re still trying to get rid of Onana, because they’ve not been able to bring in their other targets.

“They seem to have missed out on Martinez and they were looking at Donnarumma but I expect he’ll end up at Man City if he leaves PSG.

“So instead they can fill that gap for a year or so, try to drum up interest in Onana, and then address it properly when they can.”

While speculation continues to surround Onana’s future and his possible replacements, he is not the only player who could be allowed to leave Old Trafford.

Brown told Football Insider on 18 August that Rasmus Hojlund is edging closer to leaving United as he is no longer part of Amorim’s long-term plans.

Rasmus Hojlund is expected to leave Man United.

(Credit: Imago)

The striker was left out of the squad for United’s 1-0 opening-day defeat to Arsenal in a clear indication that his time at United is coming to an end.

This comes as Brown told Football Insider in May that Man United want to sell Hojlund permanently in an attempt to raise funds for reinvestment in the squad.

For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Related Posts


For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.