Manchester United always knew it was impossible to address all the shortcomings in Ruben Amorim’s squad in one transfer window.
There were initial soundings around Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez early in the summer but that didn’t go anywhere and since then, United have maintained their focus on attacking positions.
Heading into the summer few expected the club to make three big-money signings without selling anyone significant. But now they have managed it, they do need to look at off-loading – and have essentially decided at present, any available finance will be directed at addressing the central midfield situation, not a new goalkeeper.
That situation is interesting anyway. Andre Onana is expected to be fit for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Arsenal but his deputy Altay Bayindir has not made a move as anticipated after he was left out of the Europa League final starting line-up.
Veteran Tom Heaton has signed a one-year contract, so Amorim has experienced cover, while 21-year-old Radek Vitek and 19-year-old Elyh Harrison are very highly rated at Old Trafford and have just started loan spells at Bristol City and Shrewsbury respectively.
Meanwhile, sources deny speculation that Chelsea could look at signing Donnarumma this summer.
That’s despite brief interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan in June with Chelsea insistent that they will go into next season with Robert Sanchez as the number one option – as well as Filip Jorgensen as a capable back-up able to provide serious competition.
