Former Manchester United striker Lee Sharpe is adamant that the club needs to make two key signings before the transfer deadline day.
Lee Sharpe, who played for Manchester United between 1988 and 1996 has said, in a report via Sports Mole, that it is “paramount” for the club to sign a new goalkeeper, also talking up the need for a new central midfielder.
So far this season, goalkeeping duties have been split between Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana, with neither putting in convincing performances, often getting beaten in the air.
Onana has been heavily criticised since joining Manchester United in 2022, with the Cameroonian often seeming to make crucial mistakes in important moments.
United’s mid-week defeat to League two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup was another game to add to his disappointing showreel, with the keeper being at fault for both of the goals scored in normal time.
Goalkeeper on United’s radar ahead of deadline
Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens is United’s leading target between the sticks, with the 23-year-old regarded as one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers.
Allegedly however, United are understood to still be interested in Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez, who is thought to be valued in the region of £40 million.
It is understood, according to Sky Sports, that Martinez and Lammens are both keen on joining the Red Devils, which will be a relief to many fans of the club who feel the need for a new goalkeeper as soon as possible.
Allegedly, Lammens is the club’s top priority, but if talks with the youngster break down then they will pull out all the stops to bring the 32-year-old World Cup winner into Old Trafford.
Central midfielder signing not ruled out
While signing a goalkeeper is top priority, the Red Devils have not ruled out signing a centre midfielder, even after their potential transfer for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba has been stopped in its tracks.
Lee Sharpe added his thoughts on any United signings by saying: “[A] goalkeeper is paramount. I also like Baleba at Brighton, he would be a great addition to the squad, but 100% a goalkeeper is needed.”
If a new centre-midfielder was brought in, it would bring Kobbie Mainoo’s future into question as the youngster is reportedly keen to go on loan to get more minutes under his belt after struggling for game time under Amorim.
Regardless of who gets brought in by September 1st, fans of United will be hoping and praying that their performance in the Premier League this season is a far better sight than it was in their last campaign.
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