Supporters of Manchester United will be desperate for a sustained period of success after years of scattered trophies, something which would’ve been unthinkable years ago.
Sir Alex Ferguson made the Red Devils one of the biggest clubs in the world, unsurprisingly so given the Scotsman won 13 Premier League titles during his 26-year reign.
However, the club hasn’t won an English top-flight title since his retirement 12 years ago, often having to sit and watch rivals Liverpool and Manchester City share the glory.
The side have only won one FA Cup and one Carabao Cup since 2020, with Ruben Amorim the next manager to try his luck and transform their fortunes on the pitch.
If he is to be a success in the near future, he will need backing from the hierarchy in the market to make the additions he desires, with numerous players currently in his sights.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions
In an attempt to push the side back up the league table, Amorim has made a push to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in an attempt to further his forward line.
The 29-year-old scored 16 goals in the Premier League last season – certainly providing the boss with what he wants – but he could cost a pretty penny given his current £60m valuation.
However, the other end of the pitch has also been an area the 40-year-old wants to strengthen, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a key target, according to journalist Marc Mechenoua.
He claims that the Red Devils have already made an enquiry to land the Italian international, but it’s unclear whether he would be interested in a move to England this summer.
Their pursuit of his signature could be aided, given his contract talks are stalling, currently having just one year left on his deal, with the Ligue 1 outfit also agreeing a deal to land Lucas Chevalier.
Why United’s latest target would be the most important signing since Bruno
Despite the club’s lack of success in recent years, midfielder Bruno Fernandes has often been a shining light and the man to provide the goods in key moments.
The Portuguese international joined the Red Devils back in January 2020, undoubtedly surpassing the expectations of all supporters in the five and a half years since his arrival.
He’s managed to score 98 times, whilst laying on 83 assists for his teammates within his 290 appearances for the club, figures which are truly staggering for a number ten in England’s top-flight.
However, he desperately needs similar-level quality players around him to help catapult the side back to their former glory, with Donnarumma potentially providing just that.
The Italian international has established himself as one of the best players in such a position, being named the best shot-stopper in the Champions League last season.
Given Andre Onana’s failures at Old Trafford in recent times, as seen by his tally of six errors leading to goals in 2024/25, Amorim must address such an issue during the current window.
When comparing the aforementioned duo’s stats from the recent term, Donnarumma has massively outperformed him, having the tools to solve the problems that have plagued United for the last few years.
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How Donnarumma & Onana compare throughout 2024/25 |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Donnarumma |
Onana |
|
Games played |
24 |
34 |
|
Goals against per 90 |
1.08 |
1.29 |
|
Saves made |
2.6 |
2.5 |
|
Save percentage |
70% |
68% |
|
Pass accuracy |
87% |
72% |
|
Defensive actions outside box |
0.9 |
0.6 |
|
% of passes launched |
13% |
30% |
|
Errors leading to goals |
1 |
6 |
|
Stats via FBref |
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The 26-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti, conceded fewer goals per 90, whilst making more saves, offering an elite-level option between the sticks.
He also completed more of the passes he attempted, with fewer of his attempts to find his teammates going long – a couple of statistics that would aid any efforts to play out from the back.
However, the biggest positive over a deal for the former AC Milan star would be his reliability, registering fewer errors and undoubtedly being a huge upgrade on the Cameroonian.
There’s no denying that Bruno will be crucial to any success during the Amorim era, with a move for Donnrumma only enhancing the ambitions of the boss and the hierarchy.
World-class talents are desperately needed if they are to achieve their goal, resulting in any move for the goalkeeper’s signature being one of the most important in recent seasons.
