Former captain Gary Neville affirmed that the former Club MU needs to urgently recruit a new goalkeeper. Neville suggested that Emiliano Martinez and Gianluigi Donnarumma are one of the two options that are very suitable for the Red Devils at this time.
At Old Trafford, MU suddenly received a 0-1 defeat against Arsenal in the opening match of the Premier League 2025/26. Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir made a mistake that led to the only goal of Riccardo Calafiori.
In this match, Andrre Onana – former number one goalkeeper of Manchester United, suddenly had no name in the team. The reason he was not used was not determined, and Tom Heaton appeared on the bench.
Witnessing the home team losing because of the goalkeeper's fault in the past seasons, Gary Neville was harshly at Bayindir's mistake: “There is a clear problem that MU cannot ignore, that they need to find a new goalkeeper. I will have to say this decisively, because in 20 years in Manchester United, I witnessed two stages of the dominant team thanks to Peter Schmeichel and Edwin Van Der Sar Sar in the team.
Between those two periods, Manchester United had to use 7-8 different goalkeepers for 6-8 years, and that caused instability. You need a stable goalkeeper, own a 6m area, strong ball punching and save to bring the score when the defense makes mistakes. “
Neville explained why they made these two options as follows: “The reason I think they are suitable is not because they are the best goalkeepers in Europe, but because they have a strong personality and great bravery. Donnarumma saved on the penalty spinning in the final of the Euro 2020 and in the PSG journey to the Champions League. He looked like a giant in the wooden frame.
Martinez won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. They stepped out with the arrogance and bravery of a goalkeeper. That's what MU is in need at this time. “
