Man Utd legend appears to aim dig at Erik ten Hag over sacking

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea caused a stir on Monday afternoon when he took to social media to post a single pinched fingers emoji.

There was no context offered and the emoji can have a number of very different meanings, including feelings of disbelief or to signify that something is good.

De Gea posted the symbol in the wake of two lots of big news in his world. Earlier on, his former club had announced the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag and many took his social media activity to be a dig at the Dutchman’s unceremonious dismissal.

The goalkeeper was famously released by United after 12 years at the end of Ten Hag's first season. It followed a challenging few months trying to adapt to a new style of play that required the Spaniard to play out from the back, followed by the arrival of Andre Onana in a big-money transfer from Inter. De Gea then spent a year out of football, before landing at Fiorentina this past summer.

As a result, fans quickly perceived it as having the last laugh at Ten Hag's expense.

The other big new on De Gea's radar around the time of his post concerned the Ballon d'Or. It was around that time that it began to break that Vinicius Junior wasn't going to win the award later that evening, putting compatriot Rodri firmly into contention – the Spaniard did eventually claim it.

Rodri later said his triumph was not only personal but for all of Spanish football, citing several generational talents over the last 15 years who have deserved a Ballon d'Or without getting one.

At Old Trafford, Ten Hag has been replaced by former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy on an interim basis until a permanent successor has been appointed. Early reports suggested the club may have to target free agents to keep costs down, which led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being linked with a sensational return, but Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim has now emerged as firm favourite.

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