Sir Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand man Rene Meulensteen has reacted to the news that an ex-Manchester United star is on the verge of signing for a new club.
Rene Meulensteen was a first-team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson and was a key figure in the legendary former Manchester United manager’s coaching staff.
During his time at Old Trafford, the 60-year-old ex-United coach watched Ferguson lead the club to four Premier Leagues, a Champions League and two League Cups.
Ferguson, who is widely considered one of the best managers of all time, made his exit from Old Trafford in 2013 after leading United to their last Premier League title.
Meulensteen also made his departure from the Premier League club after former United manager David Moyes did not retain his services at Old Trafford.
Meulensteen reacts to former Man Utd star’s move
Rene Meulensteen was at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson brought David de Gea to Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
David de Gea was tipped as a long-term successor to Edwin van der Sar and the Spaniard endured a tough start to life at Old Trafford after his move from Spain.
However, the 33-year-old Spaniard eventually settled into life in England and firmly established himself as United No 1 under Ferguson.
De Gea lifted a Premier League title under Ferguson and continued to play on at United long after the Scotsman’s retirement in 2013.
The United legend made his exit from Old Trafford in 2023, but De Gea is now on the verge of signing for Serie A side Fiorentina.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday, Meulensteen said: “I mean, he has been out for far too long.
“I can’t understand that nobody, not a club, has picked him up.
“Obviously, he is a world-class goalkeeper, so if he goes to Fiorentina, fantastic. I think [it’s a] great move for him.”
Man Utd legend De Gea to Fiorentina
David de Gea became a free agent at the end of the 2022/23 Premier League season after talks over a new United deal broke down.
The former United No 1, who lifted the Premier League Golden Glove in his final season at Old Trafford, was reportedly keen on staying at Old Trafford.
De Gea had attracted interest from around the world as a free agent, including from clubs in Italy, Spain, England and Saudi Arabia.
Fabrizio Romano on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, confirmed that De Gea had reached a verbal agreement with Fiorentina, with the player pictured arriving in Italy.
The transfer expert on Thursday revealed that United legend De Gea would agree to a contract until 2025, with Fiorentina having the option to extend by a further year.
The former Spain international is now expected to complete his medical and sign his contract with Fiorentina.
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