Wayne Rooney questions André Onana, urges Manchester United to bring back David de Gea

Wayne Rooney has questioned the suitability of André Onana as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper and believes the club should consider re-signing David de Gea to bring greater stability and experience to the squad.

The former Manchester United captain, who spent 13 years at Old Trafford between 2004 and 2017, made the remarks while working as a pundit following United’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea over the weekend.

The result further intensified scrutiny on United’s performances this season, with particular focus on their defensive vulnerabilities.

Rooney, now 39, expressed doubts over Onana’s ability to provide the level of assurance needed between the posts for a club of United’s stature.

The ex-England international pointed to the recent match at Stamford Bridge as evidence of the need for a more seasoned presence in goal.

“Manchester United are missing someone like David de Gea,” Rooney said. “I still think he has what it takes to contribute meaningfully. Bringing him back would make a lot of sense.”

De Gea, who spent over a decade at United and made more than 500 appearances for the club, left in 2023 following the expiration of his contract.

The Spanish international now plies his trade in Italy with Fiorentina in Serie A. Despite being 34, Rooney suggested that De Gea’s experience and familiarity with the club could offer United a much-needed boost.

Meanwhile, Cameroonian international André Onana has held the number one spot at Old Trafford since his arrival, edging out Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayındır, who remains the club’s second choice. Onana has had a mixed debut season, delivering moments of brilliance but also attracting criticism for several high-profile errors.

Rooney’s comments are likely to spark debate, not only because of their timing but also due to his legacy at the club. While his coaching career has yet to mirror the success of his playing days, Rooney remains an influential voice in English football and his words carry weight among Manchester United supporters and pundits alike.

His suggestion to bring back De Gea is controversial, not least because United allowed the veteran keeper to depart after years of service, signaling a shift toward a new era under manager Erik ten Hag. The club opted for a more modern, ball-playing goalkeeper in Onana, who was recruited from Inter Milan with high expectations.

Yet, the transition has not been seamless. Onana’s distribution and shot-stopping abilities have come under intense scrutiny, particularly during key matches. Though the Cameroonian has shown resilience and confidence in interviews, the pressure continues to mount.

Whether Manchester United will act on Rooney’s advice remains uncertain. A return for De Gea would represent a significant reversal of recent strategy and raise questions about the long-term vision at Old Trafford.

For now, Onana remains the man in goal, but as the season progresses and frustrations grow, voices like Rooney’s may only become louder.