Why Man Utd Must Act Fast to Sign a Reliable Goalkeeper
Manchester United's substitution of long-standing goalkeeper David de Gea with André Onana has not worked, with many calling for an immediate change. The recent FA Cup exit to Fulham has only served to intensify criticism, with former United defender Paul Parker labeling Onana as "useless." With United's uncertainty at the back, pundits believe it's time to search for a new goalkeeper to stabilize the team.
(Image Alt Text: Andre Onana in action for Manchester United during a Premier League match.)
The Costly Error of Replacing De Gea with Onana
David de Gea's Manchester United exit in the summer of 2023 remains contentious. The Spanish shot-stopper spent 12 years at Old Trafford, winning four Player of the Year awards and keeping United in contention at crucial moments. Despite his loyalty, United released him for free and brought in André Onana from Inter Milan for £47 million.
Onana was billed as a modern, ball-playing goalkeeper when he arrived, but his performances have failed to justify the hefty price tag. His Premier League stats so far make for dire reading:
- Goals conceded: 39 in 27 matches
- Clean sheets: A paltry 7
- Errors leading to goals: 5
Compared to De Gea's previous season, where he won the Golden Glove with 17 clean sheets, Onana's struggles are evident.
Read More: Man Utd's Transfer Blunders: How Onana Replaced De Gea
Paul Parker Blasts Onana's Performance
Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker did not hold back after United's FA Cup loss to Fulham, challenging the club's decision to let De Gea go.
- "I cannot help but wonder why the club let David de Gea go. It was a shameful decision, and now we have a keeper who is so rubbish."*
Parker's fury echoes the growing frustration among fans, many of whom believe Onana's errors have cost United precious points this season.
Onana's Worst Performances for Manchester United
Here are some of the matches where Onana has come under heavy criticism:
1️⃣ FA Cup Exit to Fulham
- Match Result: Man Utd 0-0 Fulham (4-3 on penalties)
- Key Error: Failed to save a single penalty in the shootout.
2️⃣ Champions League Group Stage Disaster
- Match Result: Galatasaray 3-3 Man Utd
- Key Error: Gifted two goals to the opposition, putting United's qualification hopes in jeopardy.
3️⃣ Premier League Horror Show Against Wolves
- Match Result: Wolves 2-0 Man Utd
- Key Error: Conceded directly from a corner, adding to his growing number of blunders.
Related Article: Onana's Worst Moments in a Man Utd Shirt
Who Can Replace Onana? 3 Goalkeepers Man Utd Should Sign
1️⃣ Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Current Club: Brighton
- Market Value: €36 million
- Why Him? At just 22 years old, he has already settled in the Premier League with good shot-stopping ability and more composure than Onana.
2️⃣ Zion Suzuki (Parma)
- Current Club: Parma
- Market Value: €45 million
- Why Him? The Japanese international has been one of the outstanding goalkeepers in Serie A this season and is being courted by United and Chelsea.
3️⃣ Senne Lammens (Royal Antwerp)
- Current Club: Royal Antwerp
- Market Value: €20 million
- Why Him? Despite being at a smaller club, he has made a name for himself in Belgium and could turn out to be a bargain signing.
Latest Transfer Rumors: Man Utd's Goalkeeper Search: Who's Next?
What Next for Manchester United?
With Ruben Amorim preparing for a busy summer transfer window, Manchester United must act fast to resolve their goalkeeping crisis. Inconsistency from Onana has already cost them valuable Premier League points and knockout-stage matches.
Will United persevere with Onana, or will they cut their losses and bring in a new goalkeeper this summer?
What do you think? Should Man Utd sell Onana? Leave your comments below!
