Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has explained that one exit at Old Trafford could influence a turn in fortunes at the club.
After a disappointing season, Manchester United’s leadership are moving quickly to try and reshape the squad ahead of the new campaign.
Ruben Amorim has already landed his first signing with Matheus Cunha, and attention has now turned to Bryan Mbeumo, who is open to a move to Old Trafford.
United are also targeting a new striker, with Viktor Gyokeres among the names being considered. Securing all three attacking options would be a significant boost to a forward line that struggled last season.
On the other hand, player sales will also be crucial this summer. United do not only need to generate cash for signings but some players also are simply not good enough and need to be moved on.
Meulensteen explains how ‘vital United sale can lay foundations’
The goalkeeper position is one where many fans are hoping to see change, with Andre Onana leaving a lot to be desired between the sticks.
Rene Meulensteen has made his feelings clear about that situation, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant coach believing that it is ‘vital’ the Reds sell the goalkeeper.
The Dutchman believes that a strong goalkeeper is the pillar behind any successful team and that it is ‘massively important’ for a change at United.
“It’s vital they look to replace Onana,” said Meulensteen in a recent interview, as per the Manchester Evening News.
“If you look at Man United’s history, they started building a successful team at Old Trafford through the goalkeeper, with Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar, and David De Gea.
“They must bring confidence to the defence as that galvanises the whole back line,” added Meulensteen. “Having a really good goalkeeper lays the foundations and is massively important.”
Onana will be under huge pressure if he stays at United
You only need to look back to the defeat in the Europa League final and see how impactful Onana is on his defensive line. The entire defence seemed like a bag of nerves and it was mostly due to the shot-stopper.
There are certainly question marks over how United have failed to make the most out of his attributes but he has simply not been good enough since arriving at the club.
Meulensteen hits the nail on the head – a successful team never has a questionable ‘keeper and that is something that needs to be solved under Amorim now.
There aren’t any guarantees that United do end up selling him this summer but he will be under major pressure to turn things around if he stays.
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