Topics: David de Gea, Andre Onana, Manchester United, English Premier League, Transfer
The Spaniard's 12-year spell at Old Trafford comes to an end as the Red Devils line up an exciting replacement for their long-serving shot-stopper.

For the first time in 12 years, Manchester United will have a new no.1 goalkeeper in between the sticks.

The Premier League giants have officially announced the departure of David de Gea, with the Spanish shot-stopper coming to the end of his Old Trafford contract. Despite reports of a new deal, the club and player held negotiations but were unable to reach an agreement, thus paving the way for his departure.

The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper took to social media to announce his exit, thanking the fans for their support and reaffirming his love for the English giants irrespective of his unceremonious departure. Likewise, Manchester United also released a statement in which they thanked the 32-year-old for his long service.

"I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters," the veteran wrote on Twitter.

"I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We've achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club. I took incredible pride every time I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honor only bestows upon a few lucky footballers. 

"It's been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn't think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together. 

"Now, it's the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings. Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. 

Not only was De Gea the one and only remaining Manchester United player to have won the Premier League, having played under Sir Alex Ferguson during the iconic manager's final season in charge, but the Spaniard had set a number of records at the Theatre of Dreams as well. David holds the record for both the most number of appearances (545) and most clean sheets (190) for a Red Devils keeper and was thus praised by manager Ten Hag via the club's official website.

"It takes great quality and character to reach the level of even playing one game for Manchester United. To do it 545 times over 12 years is a special achievement, particularly in the goalkeeping position where every game puts you in the spotlight," the Dutchman said.

"To have won Player of the Year awards from both the fans and his team-mates, each on four occasions, shows the level of his performance and he will always be remembered as one of the very best goalkeepers in the history of the club.

"I am personally grateful for the 25 clean sheets he helped provide last season and his overall contribution on the pitch during my first year at the club. All the players and staff send him our very best wishes for the next phase of his outstanding career."

De Gea had become a polarizing figure at Old Trafford, with some fans appreciating his reflex saves while others bemoaned his inability to play out from the back. The latter reportedly played a part in Manchester United's decision to let him go, as well as his high-profile mistakes in the final few games of the season.

Another reason why the Red Devils were ready to let the Spaniard go is because they have another goalkeeper lined up. That man is Andre Onana, the highly-rated Inter Milan shot-stopper who has all but agreed to reunite with Ten Hag at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Cameroonian played a crucial role in the Nerazzurri's run to the UEFA Champions League final last season, where they eventually lost 1-0 to Manchester City. While Onana is arguably one of the best ball-playing keepers in the game, he is also an underrated shot-stopper and could revolutionize the English giants.

As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, last season's Carabao Cup winners are on the brink of signing the former Ajax ace and have already agreed personal terms with the player. Inter Milan are simply waiting on Manchester United's next bid, which should arrive in the next few days, as Ten Hag wishes to have his man with the team in time for their preseason tour in the USA.