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Manchester United’s goalkeeping department is set to be a major talking point this summer.
Among United’s many struggles in the 2024-25 season, poor goalkeeping stood out as a key weakness alongside their misfiring attack.
Instead of showing improvement after a shaky first season, André Onana became increasingly erratic, with clear flaws in his decision-making, positioning, and command of the penalty area.
His ball-playing skills and composure under pressure, the attributes that convinced Erik ten Hag to bring him in, ultimately proved irrelevant.
Repeated errors have cost United crucial results.
While Ruben Amorim occasionally turned to Altay Bayindir, his lack of match sharpness after months on the bench meant he too failed to convince.
Amorim’s requirements for a new number one
United are expected to move for a top-class shot-stopper this summer.
Bayindir is set to be sold, and reports, combined with his absence from the squad on the final day of the season, suggest Onana’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain.
According to Give Me Sport, Amorim has outlined his vision for a first-choice goalkeeper to the club’s recruitment team.
The former Sporting CP manager is prepared to move away from the modern preference for ball-playing goalkeepers and revert to traditional goalkeeping fundamentals.
Rather than seeking a contemporary goalkeeper, Amorim wants a dependable presence between the posts.
He is looking for someone strong in core attributes such as shot stopping, handling, and error minimisation.
This new custodian must bring calmness and stability to United’s backline, providing assurance and reducing the defensive uncertainty that has plagued the team in recent seasons.
Onana’s future in doubt
The profile Amorim is looking for in his number one is precisely what Onana has failed to deliver.
The Give Me Sport report suggests that United are keen to sell Onana, but they highlight that offloading the £47 million signing from 2023 will not be straightforward.
His transfer fee, wages, and reputation complicate the prospect of an easy exit.
That said, INEOS are considering cashing in on him. If they cannot secure a sale, they are expected to bring in a capable replacement for Bayindir, who is set to depart.
This new addition would provide serious competition for Onana, ensuring that United’s goalkeeping struggles are firmly left behind.
Featured Image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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