Manchester United urged to sign new goalkeeper amid Donnarumma links
Manchester United face growing pressure to address their goalkeeper situation after Andre Onana’s struggles, with Gianluigi Donnarumma emerging as a potential late transfer option.
RayWrites
- August 18, 2025
Manchester United could be in for a tense final fortnight of the transfer window as questions mount over their goalkeeping situation. Following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their Premier League opener—where a costly mistake from stand-in goalkeeper Bayındır allowed the Gunners to snatch victory—calls for a new number one have grown louder.
Gary Neville was outspoken after the match, insisting United cannot ignore the glaring issue between the posts.
“They have to. I’m unequivocal on that,” Neville said. “When you don’t have a dominant goalkeeper, it unsettles the whole team. At United, we had long stretches of stability with Schmeichel and Van der Sar, but in between, we went through a revolving door of goalkeepers. It’s vital to have a commanding presence who owns his area and saves points in key moments.”
Onana’s Uncertain Status
United entered the summer window linked with several goalkeepers, but injuries complicated matters. Andre Onana, who joined last year to much fanfare, suffered a preseason setback and was sidelined for four to six weeks. Manager Rúben Amorim, at least publicly, has insisted he is satisfied with his options—naming Onana, Tom Heaton, and Bayındır as his three goalkeepers.
However, eyebrows were raised when Bayındır started against Arsenal despite Onana being fit. Amorim clarified it was not a case of dropping the Cameroonian, but rather a decision based on match fitness and training time. Still, speculation over Onana’s future refuses to die down, with talk that a significant offer could change United’s stance in the final days of the window.
Donnarumma on the Market
Amid United’s uncertainty, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s availability could shake up the market. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, the 25-year-old finds himself surplus to requirements at Paris Saint-Germain following the arrival of new number one Luca Chevalier.
So far, there has been no direct contact between Donnarumma’s representatives and either Manchester United or Manchester City. But both clubs could be tempted if circumstances align. As one source noted, a deal would likely require one of their current goalkeepers to leave first.
Donnarumma’s situation is complicated further by his contract. PSG would still demand a substantial fee despite him having just a year left, while his high wages present another obstacle. Reports suggest PSG may even consider a loan move late in the window to ease their wage bill—potentially saving up to £17 million for the season.
World Cup Pressure
For Donnarumma, regular playing time is non-negotiable. With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, Italy’s first-choice goalkeeper cannot afford a season on the bench. That pressure could force both player and club into a compromise before deadline day.
A Nervous Two Weeks for United
As the countdown to September 1st continues, Manchester United face difficult decisions. Stick with Onana despite fan doubts, gamble on Bayındır, or make a late swoop for Donnarumma? The Old Trafford hierarchy have little time to weigh their options—and Neville’s warning rings loud: without a dominant goalkeeper, United risk instability that could define their season.
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