Manchester United is reportedly planning an embarrassing U-turn by seeking the return of goalkeeper David de Gea on a short-term deal. The club is concerned about a potential shortage of goalkeepers when Andre Onana, who was brought in to replace De Gea, participates in the Africa Cup of Nations in the coming year.

The unexpecteԀ change of heart by Onana regarding his international retirement caught Manchester United off guard. The Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, which means that the £43.8 million summer signing could miss up to eight matches for United.

In light of this situation, Manchester United is now considering turning to De Gea, despite having let him go during the summer transfer window. The Spanish goalkeeper had spent 12 years at Old Trafford before leaving when his contract expired. Since then, he has not played for any other club.

Initially, De Gea was offered reduced terms to stay at United, with his wages being slashed from £375,000 a week to £200,000 a week. However, even that offer was eventually withdrawn.

Interestingly, Manchester United also requested that De Gea refrain from joining another club until they had finalized Onana’s transfer.