Man United Starting XI From David de Gea’s Premier League Debut As He Becomes Free Agent

• David De Gea is a free agent
• The goalkeeper's time with Manchester United could be over if they don't agree on another deal
• The Spaniard has been at the club since 2011
• Sports Brief looks at the starting eleven from his Premier League debut in the 2011/12 season

David De Gea is a free agent after his contract ended on Friday without a clear indication about his future with Manchester United, the club he's played for since 2011.

Reports emerged earlier this week that the club and the goalkeeper agreed on a new deal before it was revoked by the team, a development that drew angry reactions from fans. If the Spaniard doesn't return to Manchester, he remains a legend of the Red Devils, having stayed with them during difficult periods in the last few years.

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The Spanish goalkeeper has come a long way. He was signed as a replacement for the legendary Edwin Van Der Sar, but the club quickly found out the 20-year-old would need more time to adjust to the physical demands of the Premier League.

He improved significantly in the following years, helping the team win the Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, and the Europa League, and has made 545 appearances for the club. The 32-year-old also made the PFA Team of the Year five times and has been named United’s Player of the Year four times.

Over the years, De Gea became a relic of a bygone era. Most coaches prefer goalkeepers who are brave on the ball, and De Gea has never been that type of a keeper. He made his Premier League debut on 14th August 2011 against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns, per Transfermarkt. So where are the starting XI from his league debut?

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David De Gea

Before he became a free agent, De Gea was the only player left at the club from his debut. He made 29 Premier League appearances in the 2022/12 season, conceding 29 goals. The Red Devils ended up losing the league to Manchester City on goal difference.

RB: Chris Smalling

Smalling started as a right back in that game. 2022/12 was Smalling's second season with United. He ended up making 29 Premier League appearances that season. In total, he made 323 appearances for the English giants before joining AS Roma in 2019. He helped Roma win the 2022 Europa Conference League.

CB: Nemanja Vivic

Vidic was still on top of his game in 2011. He was replaced by Johny Evans in that game because of injury. The Serbian would play only six games that season. He helped the club win five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. He left the club in 2014 before retiring in 2016. He is regarded as one of the best center-backs in Premier League history.

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CB: Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand and Vidic formed one of the greatest defensive partnerships in football history. He won six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. He left the club in 2014 after making 455 appearances but retired in 2015.

LB: Fabio

Fabio d Silva, along with his twin brother Rafael arrived at the club in 2008 from Fluminese. Fabio made only 56 appearances for the club, while Rafael played 170 times for the Red Devils. After leaving the club in 2023, Fabio had spells with Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Nantes, and Brazilian side Gremio.

CM: Anderson

Following a £20m move from Porto, there were high expectations for the Brazilian. He made 181 appearances for the club but never lived up to the hype. He won four Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League before retiring in 2019.

CM: Tom Cleverley

The Academy graduate never cemented a spot at the club. After several loan spells, he left the club in 2015 for a brief stint at Everton before joining Watford, where he's been since 2017. He won one Premier League title with United.

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RW: Nani

Nani was expected to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo. He only showed glimpses of his brilliance and struggled for consistency throughout his time at Old Trafford. He won four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. He left in 2015 after making 230 appearances and scoring 41 goals. He has had brief spells for different teams in Europe, the USA, and Australia.

LW: Ashley Young

Young also made his debut against West Brom. He joined the club in 2011 and left in 2020 for Inter Milan. He has won the Serie A, Premier League, and Europa League and is now a free agent after he was released by Aston Villa a few weeks ago.

ST: Wayne Rooney

Rooney is the club's all-time top scorer with 253 goals and is arguably the best player in the club's history. He left the club in 2017 for Everton. The England legend then joined MLS side DC United before signing for Derby County. He retired in 2021.

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ST: Danny Welbeck

Welbeck became a solid first-team player after coming through the ranks at the club. He left the club in 2014 to join Arsenal after making 142 appearances and scoring 29 goals. He won two Premier League titles with the club. He currently plays for Brighton but had a brief stint with Watford.

Starting XI (4-4-2): De Gea, Smalling, Vidic, Ferdinand, Fabio, Young, Anderson, Cleverley, Nani, Rooney, Welbeck

De Gea last man standing

Sports Brief earlier reported on Manchester United not having a single member of the 2013 Premier League winning team.

De Gea was the last man standing on that team before his contract expired.

The club has not won a Premier League title since 2013 and doesn't seem to be close to challenging the top teams.