Manchester United are reportedly targeting a goalkeeper signing before the end of the window.
Uncertainty
There have been links to keepers all summer for the Red Devils but there has been uncertainty to what type of keeper the clubs wants to recruit.
There were rumours at the start of the summer that United were keen on Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez.
Later, it was understood that United would pursue a cheaper keeper like Brazilian John Victor or a younger option like Senne Lammens at Royal Antwerp.
Gianluigi Donnarumma links
Interestingly, there have been growing rumours that the club is showing an interest in Champions League winning keeper Donnarumma.
Paris Saint-Germain are keen to sell him as they have recently signed Lucas Chevalier and have made the Italian available for the attractive price of £26 million.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, United are currently focusing on sales and the Carlos Baleba deal and consequently, have not made a decision on the type of keeper that they want to bring in.
Nonetheless, the choice should be clear.
Experience
There is no doubt Lammens is a very talented keeper and would probably, eventually, be a strong signing for United.
Nonetheless, 23 is very young for a keeper and he has not played at a level above the Belgian league.
With respect, the English Premier League is an entirely different kettle of fish and especially being the number one keeper for Man United.
In contrast, Donnarumma has been in the spotlight since he was 16 for a giant of a club in AC Milan.
Despite only being 26 years old, he has played 412 matches at club level for Milan and Paris Saint-Germain and incredibly already featured 74 times for Italy.
Winning mentality
The Italian giant has played in numerous Champions League matches including last season’s final, keeping a clean sheet in PSG’s 5-0 victory.
He has also won 12 senior trophies for club and country.
United’s squad is not currently blessed with many serial winners outside of Casemiro, so any added experience of winning to a talented but young group is welcome.
Respect of backline
United’s back five lacks experience. Patrick Dorgu is only 20 years old and Leny Yoro 19. It is also likely Ayden Heaven will get significant minutes this season and he is only 18.
Amad who will likely play most of his football at right wing back this season is also only 23 and has not even played a full season in the more defensive role.
Therefore, adding another young, inexperienced player to the mix is possibly not the best idea.
Andre Onana has experience but his regular errors and erratic keeping style constantly puts pressure on the defence.
Whilst Donnarumma does certainly have an error in him, his experience and sheer dominating presence would help guide United’s youngsters through tough moments.
Golden opportunity
Another reason to pursue the Italian is that these sort of opportunities to secure top talent rarely come about.
What’s more, the circumstances of his situation at PSG mean he will be available for a price well below his market value.
United are also not in European football next season, so the chance to add Donnarumma in this context is not only scarcely believable but would also be a real statement signing to the rest of Europe.
Win now
The Red Devils have undertaken an aggressive transfer strategy this summer. The captures of Premier League proven stars like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo speak to this.
What’s more, United went head-to-head with Newcastle United for Benjamin Sesko and won. They are also actively pursuing a complicated deal to sign the potentially game-changing midfielder Baleba.
Clearly, the likes of Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, Christopher Vivell and Ruben Amorim want to win now with this transfer strategy and Donnarumma fits this profile a lot more than a Lammens type keeper.
In addition, Ruben Amorim will not have years to win over United’s fans and board. It is just a fact that he will need to deliver this season to keep his job and Donnarumma gives him this security few other keepers on the market would.
Featured image Dan Mullan via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
