Manchester United’s goalkeeping department is becoming a real concern for Ruben Amorim.
When Erik ten Hag signed Andre Onana, it was a move expected to revolutionise goalkeeping at Old Trafford after more than a decade of David de Gea.
However, a tumultuous first season has spread into a disastrous second for Manchester United’s No.25. His form has become unignorable with mistake after mistake leaving Ruben Amorim with his head in his hands.
| Statistic | # |
| Matches played | 27 |
| Goals against | 39 |
| Shots on target faced | 110 |
| Saves | 71 |
| Save percentage | 67.3% |
| Goals prevented | -0.12 |
| Errors leading to goal | 3 |
| Pass percentage | 64.9% |
Onana was labelled a calamity for United on Wednesday due to his awful performance that saw him responsible for two of the goals conceded against Ipswich.
Amorim has since backed Onana, who is the first-choice shot-stopper. However, United in Focus understands that faith in Onana around Old Trafford is low.
Manchester United are keen to replace Andre Onana
With Onana’s persistent errors have raised questions about United finding a replacement. This saw United linked with interest in signing Joan Garcia from Espanyol.
United in Focus have spoken with Graeme Bailey about the goalkeeping situation within the club.
“In an ideal world,” he explained. “I am told Amorim would like to upgrade that goalkeeping department, but obviously it is not the main issue it’s number five, six seven on the agenda.
“Yeah if they get everything else sorted they’ll look at it but it will be very very hard. United have so many things to do and put right. But I don’t see them making a change this summer.
“Amorim doesn’t love him and would like to upgrade and within his time at the club he will upgrade him but it’s unlikely this summer.”
Dreams of Onana being replaced at United appear to be dashed, but Graeme has suggested one outcome that could result in the Cameroonian on the bench.
“It’s a situation they are assessing. The only way I see Onana being replaced is if United give Altay Bayindir a chance to replace him in the team.
“However, I also believe that Bayindir could potentially go back to Turkey.”
Tom Heaton will be leaving United for free, while there is a wildcard option for United in the ranks right now breaking through.
Elyh Harrison is highly rated by Manchester United
With no upgrade likely to be signed, United might have to instead search for options already at the club.
Amorim could find that within the academy, as United in Focus understands Elyh Harrison is a player the club are very high on.
“Harrison is very highly regarded I am told, but it’s not an ideal time to bring youngsters in. Very highly thought of, I think he may climb the ladder a little bit.”
Harrison was recalled from loan with Chester in January and has since been involved in first-team training and even match-day squads.
It would be interesting to see if Amorim resorts to Harrison in the event Onana continues to underperform, it could be a masterstroke.
Harrison is still young, but if he’s seen to be good enough then he is already old enough as the famous quote from Sir Matt Busby goes.
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