After watching on as Andre Onana endured another evening to forget against Lyon in midweek, Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts on a fresh mission in pursuit of replacing their goalkeeper.
Onana makes one mistake too many
Whilst the former Inter man was full of confidence in the build-up, exchanging a war of words with Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic, that confidence was not enough for the goalkeeper to avoid a nightmare evening.
First flailing at Thiago Almada’s wide free-kick to concede the opening goal, Onana then spilt an effort straight into the path of Rayan Cherki for Lyon’s late equaliser – proving Matic right in the process.
The former Old Trafford midfielder ruthlessly responded to Onana’s verdict that Manchester United are a better side than Lyon – telling reporters: “You know, I respect everyone but to say that then you need to give the answer.
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“If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, you need to take care what you’re talking about. If it was [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Peter] Schmeichel or [David] de Gea saying that, then I would question myself. But you need to have cover to say something like that.”
The numbers don’t exactly help the Red Devils shot-stopper in pursuit of shutting that criticism down, with the two Lyon mistakes the latest in a growing list of errors at Manchester United.
With rumours now emerging that the Red Devils are ready to part ways with Onana following just two seasons, those at Old Trafford have seemingly turned their attention towards Serie A.
Man Utd step up chase to sign Zion Suzuki
According to talkSPORT, INEOS have now sent Man Utd scouts on a fresh mission in pursuit of Zion Suzuki. The Parma shot-stopper has impressed once again this season and is now reportedly valued at as much as £40m ahead of the summer transfer window.
Whether United are willing to pay such a price remains to be seen, and it must be said that the numbers suggest that Suzuki is one for the future rather than next season.
|
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) |
Zion Suzuki |
Andre Onana |
|---|---|---|
|
Starts |
29 |
31 |
|
Clean sheets |
4 |
9 |
|
Save percentage |
66.9% |
69.8% |
|
Saves per 90 |
2.68 |
2.74 |
Whilst the Japan international is a rising star at just 22 years old, what he is not is a player ready to become Manchester United’s Premier League No.1. There will perhaps become a time when he is, but the Red Devils must first target one of the world’s best to replace Onana this summer.
Dubbed “exciting” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the last thing that Suzuki needs at this stage of his career is to take hold of the poisoned chalice of Manchester United’s No.1 shirt. With plenty to think about, Manchester United must get it right this summer.
