BREAKING NEWS: Reported live by Fabrizio Romano, According to The Athletic, David De Gea was upset with those he held responsible for his departure: Erik ten Hag and the club’s then-football director, John Murtough.

In a stunning revelation reported live by Fabrizio Romano and detailed in an exclusive piece by The Athletic, former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the manner of his departure from the club. According to sources close to the situation, De Gea holds manager Erik ten Hag and then-football director John Murtough responsible for his exit, a move that has left him feeling bitter and disappointed.

David De Gea, a stalwart between the posts for Manchester United for over a decade, left the club under a cloud of controversy and dissatisfaction. His departure, which many fans and pundits expected to be handled with the utmost respect and honor given his years of service, instead turned into a contentious issue.

Erik ten Hag, who took over the managerial reins at Manchester United, has been known for his stringent approach and high standards. However, it appears that his relationship with De Gea soured significantly towards the end of the Spaniard’s tenure at Old Trafford. Sources close to the club have revealed that ten Hag’s decision-making regarding the goalkeeper position created a rift.

Ten Hag’s vision for Manchester United involved a shift in playing style that required a goalkeeper proficient with the ball at his feet, a skill that De Gea, despite his shot-stopping prowess, has been criticized for lacking. This tactical preference led to tension and a sense of being undervalued for De Gea, who felt his contributions and loyalty were being overlooked in favor of a new strategic direction.

John Murtough, the then-football director at Manchester United, also played a significant role in the events leading to De Gea’s departure. Murtough, responsible for overseeing the club’s transfer and contract negotiations, reportedly failed to provide De Gea with the clarity and respect he deserved during discussions about his future.

According to The Athletic, negotiations over a contract renewal for De Gea were mishandled, with mixed signals and delayed responses that left the veteran goalkeeper feeling disrespected. This perceived lack of professionalism and empathy from Murtough contributed heavily to De Gea’s discontent and eventual decision to leave the club.

David De Gea has always been a professional, rarely allowing internal club matters to become public knowledge. However, in the wake of his departure, he has not hidden his frustration. In an interview with The Athletic, De Gea revealed his deep disappointment with how things were handled.

“I have given my all to Manchester United, and to be treated this way at the end of my journey here is hurtful,” De Gea said. “I expected more respect from a club that I have served for so long. The way this was handled by the management was disappointing.”

The fallout from De Gea’s departure has been significant. Manchester United fans, who have long regarded De Gea as a hero and a key figure in the team, have expressed their discontent on social media and fan forums. The perceived mishandling of his exit has led to calls for greater transparency and respect in how the club deals with its long-serving players.

For Erik ten Hag, the challenge now is to ensure that the team moves forward positively and that the goalkeeping position is strengthened effectively. The Dutch manager’s vision for the team remains clear, but the De Gea saga highlights the delicate balance required when transitioning veteran players out of the squad.

Manchester United’s management will need to reflect on this episode to ensure that future departures, especially of club legends, are handled with the respect and professionalism they deserve. The club’s reputation and the morale of current players depend on how well such transitions are managed.

David De Gea’s departure from Manchester United marks the end of an era. His feelings of being undervalued and the mishandling of his exit by Erik ten Hag and John Murtough have cast a shadow over what should have been a dignified farewell. As Manchester United looks to the future, the lessons from this situation must be heeded to maintain the respect and loyalty of its players and fans alike.

This breaking news, reported live by Fabrizio Romano and detailed by The Athletic, serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of football and the importance of treating players with the respect and dignity they have earned through their service.