David de Gea appears to have made a not-so-subtle did at Erik ten Hag after he was sacked as Manchester United manager.
The Dutchman was dismissed by United chiefs on Monday as he was summoned to a morning meeting at Carrington and informed his time as boss was over.
The decision to axe the Dutchman after two-and-a-half years in charge came after Sunday’s defeat at West Ham left United in 14th place in the Premier League.
And the 54-year-old made a swift exit from Manchester as he was spotted being picked up by a chauffeur and taken to Manchester airport before boarding a flight headed to Amsterdam.
And De Gea was pulling no punches as he took to X to share a pinched fingers emoji, seemingly aiming a dig at his former boss.
David de Gea (left) has made a not-so-subtle dig at Erik ten Hag (right) after his Man United axe
The former Manchester United goalkeeper took to social media to post a cryptic message
Ten Hag was let go after two-and-a-half years in charge and with United 14th in the league
The gesture can represent a number of different meanings, though often is given as a sign of content or joy.
De Gea was No 1 at United when Ten Hag took over the club, having initially joined in June 2011 from Atletico Madrid.
He had often spoke of his hopes of becoming a club legend, though found himself out the team early on under Sir Alex Ferguson. He would eventually regain his place and become the undisputed No 1.
The Spaniard would continue his role under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and initially under Ten Hag.
He played the Dutchman’s first season in charge but opted not to stay at the club after talks over a new deal, with Ten Hag making it clear he would look to sign Andre Onana, despite De Gea winning the Golden Glove the year before.
Onana would join for £47.1million, with De Gea becoming a free agent and posting on social media: ‘Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge to push myself again in new surroundings.
‘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.’
De Gea was United goalkeeper for 12 years before being booted out of the club by Ten Hag
United went down a different route with their No 1, signing Andre Onana from Inter Milan
United had spent several months in negotiations with De Gea, whose 190 clean sheets are a club record, but ultimately Ten Hag wanted a goalkeeper who was more adept with his feet.
De Gea added upon his exit: ‘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 honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers.
‘It’s been an unforgettable an successful period since I came here. I don’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together.
‘Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me.’
Now, De Gea has seemingly reacted to the news that Ten Hag is on his way on social media.
After leaving United, De Gea was a free agent for a year and used his social media accounts to share cryptic messages about his future, as he did during contract negotiations with United.
He finally found a club in the summer, signing for Fiorentina and locking himself in as the Italian side’s No 1.
De Gea joined United as a youngster, initially playing under Sir Alex Ferguson before his exit
De Gea is now playing for Fiorentina having taken a year out of the game as a free agent
Ten Hag was seen boarding a private jet to Amsterdam after learning of his fate at Old Trafford
Current United skipper Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, posted on Instagram: ‘Thanks for everything boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.
‘Even knowing the last period isn’t [sic] been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club!’
