Manchester United signing just got even more important with new replacement vital
There is another problem for Ruben Amorim to solve in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United are under pressure in their pursuit of a backup goalkeeper this summer given they could be without Andre Onana for six Premier League matches next season. The latest set of league fixtures were released on Wednesday morning and confirmed the rough schedule for next season, subject to television picks.
United face a gruelling start to the campaign that will see them face Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea across the first five matches, while they could also find it tricky over the festive period. Upon first glance, the winter matches don't look too troublesome, with matches against Aston Villa, Newcastle and Wolves in December, before they face Leeds, Burnley and Man City in January.
The problem for Ruben Amorim is that all of those matches clash with the Africa Cup of Nations, which could see United without Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Andre Onana for the best part of a busy month. Bryan Mbeumo would also be impacted if he completed a move to Old Trafford this summer.
A new goalkeeper needed
Ruben Amorim would eventually like to refresh the entire goalkeeper department but he acknowledges it would be difficult to do that this summer when there are more pressing issues in attack. Manchester United have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves and hope to add Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, before they switch attention to a striker.
A central midfielder and wing-back could also be targeted, while Amorim wants to sign a better backup goalkeeper who can rival Andre Onana for the starting spot next season. The 29-year-old still has a good relationship with Amorim and is expected to remain at Old Trafford for at least another year, though it is accepted he must show signs of improvement if he is to remain the first-choice in goal.
United are certain to be without Onana for at least three AFCON matches if he is called up by Cameroon and he could end up missing as many as six if they reach the last four of the tournament. In a campaign when United will only play domestic matches, to be without their first-choice goalkeeper for almost eight percent of matches would be a sizeable blow.
Altay Bayindir conceded 18 goals in 10 appearances last season and conceded four goals in three occasions in away defeats to Tottenham, Newcastle and Brentford. There have been doubts over his suitability to the role ever since Erik ten Hag notably requested permission for the Cameroon FA to delay calling up Onana for the last AFCON tournament so he only missed one match rather than three.
In the long run, an established shot-stopper could be required to properly replace Onana, but with him almost certain to miss a string of matches this winter, it is crucial they have a trusted backup ready to take his place.