Manchester United have made a bizarre request to David De Gea, asking him not to sign for a new club despite allowing him to leave as a free agent.

The Spanish goalkeeper officially departed Old Trafford on Friday upon the expiration of his contract.

United were initially keen to tie De Gea down to a new deal, and an agreement was reached on fresh terms on reduced wages.

De Gea had signed the new contract, only to see the Premier League giants retract that offer.

A new agreement has not yet been found, leading to his exit, but United are still making their demands even after his exit.

According to The Sun, the Red Devils have told De Gea not to agree to a move elsewhere.

They want De Gea to be available in case they are not able to sign a new number-one stopper.

United have been linked with Inter Milan’s Andre Onana and Diogo Costa of FC Porto.