Gary Neville varoittaa Manchester United tarvitsee maailmanluokan maalivahdin Old Traffordille
Manchester United’s new season opened with a frustrating 1–0 defeat to Arsenal, and while there were glimpses of progress, one glaring weakness still stood out: the goalkeeping situation. Unsurprisingly, Gary Neville wasn’t shy in pointing it out. The former captain insists that if United want to compete at Europe’s highest level, they must secure a world-class goalkeeper — someone like Gianluigi Donnarumma or Emiliano Martínez.
Déjà Vu in Goal
United supporters know this feeling all too well. Against Arsenal, André Onana didn’t feature, leaving newcomer Altay Bayındır to take charge. The result? A costly mistake leading directly to the only goal of the game. For Neville, this wasn’t just about one blunder — it’s a recurring theme that stretches back years.
- Lack of consistency: Post-van der Sar, a revolving door of keepers has failed to fill the leadership void at the back.
- History repeating: Neville reminded fans how the club went nearly ten years before finding Schmeichel’s true successor.
United have invested heavily in forwards and defenders, but the search for a reliable, commanding figure in goal remains unfinished.
Neville’s Shortlist
Neville wasn’t simply criticizing — he came prepared with names:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG): At 25, already seasoned with international honors, including Euro 2021 heroics.
- Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa, Argentina): A fearless, outspoken leader who helped Argentina clinch their World Cup triumph.
For Neville, United need more than a shot-stopper. They need someone who commands defenders with authority and embodies leadership between the posts.
Why This Position Matters Most
Neville’s argument carries weight because history proves it true:
- A stronger defense is undermined without a secure final line of protection.
- A vibrant attack loses impact if leaky goals cancel out the scoring efforts.
United’s golden years weren’t just powered by great strikers — they had Schmeichel and van der Sar as foundations that gave the squad freedom to flourish. Right now, that cornerstone is missing.
Amorim’s Gamble
Manager Rúben Amorim already made headlines by benching Onana in the opening game, but as Neville suggests, shuffling options won’t solve the real question: who will own this role long-term?
The market complicates things. Donnarumma is PSG’s first-choice keeper, making any transfer expensive and unlikely. Martínez may be theoretically more attainable, but his World Cup and Premier League pedigree comes with a hefty price tag of its own.
The Bigger Picture
Neville’s message is less about a single defeat and more about the club’s trajectory. If United genuinely want to return to the summit of English and European football, their goalkeeper dilemma must be resolved. A true leader like Donnarumma or Martínez could be transformational. Until then, the iconic shadows of Schmeichel and van der Sar will continue to loom over Old Trafford.
Suggested Headlines
- Gary Neville: “United Can’t Compete Without a New Goalkeeper”
- Donnarumma or Martínez? Neville Hands United His Shortlist
- The Missing Piece at Old Trafford: Is Goalkeeping United’s Achilles’ Heel?
⚽ What’s your verdict? Should United push hard for Donnarumma or Martínez, or show faith in Onana and Bayındır to rise to the challenge?
