Mark Schwarzer believes Manchester United made one right decision in the summer transfer window, even if they have ‘struggled’ since.
Manchester United have endured a very disappointing season so far, especially after the promising start Erik ten Hag made at the club.
The Dutchman’s side finished bottom of their Champions League group and with 11 Premier League defeats already, are unlikely to finish in the top four.
Other than Rasmus Hojlund, United’s summer signings have not paid off so far, with Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat and Andre Onana all struggling,
Onana was brought in from Inter to replace David de Gea after the club decided to release their legendary goalkeeper in the summer.
Despite Onana’s struggles since arriving at Old Trafford, Mark Schwarzer believes it was the right call to make a change between the sticks.
Mark Schwarzer on David de Gea leaving United
Speaking on Football’s Greatest, Schwarzer said: “Look at Manchester United, they struggled to replace Peter Schmeichel.
“It took him numerous goalkeepers to find Edwin van der Sar. And even after that they struggled really.
“Look at De Gea his first 18 months were incredibly difficult for him at United. Looking at it now after he’s left, they’re still struggling.
“I actually think… De Gea had an amazing career at United, I think it was the right time.
“I think elements of his game, things were creeping in, there were too many high profile mistakes, certainly in the last two years of his time at the club.
“And I think people took him for granted as well.
“So, I think now, it’s quite amazing, hearing and seeing the line of a lot of fans now because it takes people to leave before they realise what they had and more often than not that’s too late.
“I’m surprised he’s not gone somewhere else, actually I’m surprised he didn’t end up at Real Madrid. Really surprised.”
A decision that had to be made
If anything, United didn’t make the decision to replace De Gea earlier enough and instead wasted half of the summer making up their minds.
Not only did it rob De Gea of a deserved and fitting send-off from the fans on the last day of the season at Old Trafford, but it gave Onana a little less time to train with his teammates in pre-season.
Injuries to a ravaged back-line haven’t helped, but it’s clear how a lack of understanding between Onana and those in front of him has caused the goalkeeper difficulties.
De Gea will go down as a United great but it was time to move on. Onana’s period of adjustment don’t change that.
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