Dylan Oakley Aug 18th 2025
Former Man United defender Gary Neville says the goalkeeper position is a “glaring issue” for the Red Devils.
Man United began their first full season under Ruben Amorim, and it ended in a home defeat to rivals Arsenal, after Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal of the game from a corner in the first half.
The Red Devils did show signs of improvement under Amorim, with new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha looking impressive and a serious threat, which is a reason for United fans to be optimistic heading into the season.
However, the biggest issue in the game was the goal itself. It was down to a mistake by Altay Bayindir, which essentially handed Calafiori a free header into the net, raising more questions about United’s future at the goalkeeper position.
Former United star Gary Neville said on Sky Sports, that it was evidence they need to sign a new keeper before the end of the transfer window. He said: “There’s a glaring issue that Man Utd cannot ignore and it is the fact they need to find a goalkeeper.
“It is really unsettling when you haven’t got a dominant No 1, who is dominant in the air, who owns his six-yard box, comes and punches everything and makes a lot of saves to win you points when your defenders make mistakes.”
Who could Man United sign in goal?
The most linked option in recent weeks has been PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is set to leave the French capital this summer. They have also been linked to Aston Villa stopper Emiliano Martinez in the past too.
Neville believes that both would be good additions for the Red Devils. He said: “The two that have been mentioned in the last two weeks have been Emi Martinez and [Gianluigi] Donnarumma.
“The reason I think they would be good goalkeepers for Man Utd is not necessarily because they are the best goalkeepers in Europe, but they are big personalities and characters.
“They have played under extreme pressure and they almost walk out with that arrogance and dominance of a goalkeeper – Man Utd need that.”
Click here to see Man United’s first team squad heading into the second game of the season.
