This summer presents the first major opportunity for Ruben Amorim to make wholesale changes to his Manchester United squad after taking the reins back in November.
The 40-year-old oversaw the January transfer window, but the one-month period wasn’t enough time for the manager to offload and sign players to improve his squad.
It’s safe to say transfers are needed, with the Red Devils currently occupying 13th place in the Premier League, sitting 15 points off the top four with just seven matches remaining.
Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven have both already arrived at Old Trafford under Amorim’s time in charge, with the pair proving to be money well spent – with the left-back cementing his place as a result starter since his £30m transfer.
If the side are to progress in 2025/26, such additions are needed when the window opens in a few months, with one player already emerging as a key target ahead of the summer.
Man Utd make contact to land new goalkeeper
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, United have made contact with Brighton and Hove Albion over a potential move for goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen this summer.
Despite their interest in the 22-year-old, they face stern competition from Bayern Munich and AC Milan for the Dutchman’s signature, which could lead to a bidding war.
He’s been the Seagulls’ number-one choice between the sticks this season, keeping six clean sheets in his 29 Premier League appearances – playing a key role in their hunt for European football.
The report states that the Red Devils have asked about a potential deal in the coming months, but that no fee has been touted for a move to Old Trafford.
It would be yet another key addition made by the club’s hierarchy, allowing Amorim to sign an upgrade on one player currently plying his trade in the North West.
Why Verbruggen would be an upgrade on Onana for United
Senegalese international Andre Onana has struggled to make a huge positive impact for United since his £47m move from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023.
The 29-year-old was seen as the perfect replacement for the outgoing David de Gea, but nearly two years on, he’s failed to deliver – leading to major criticism about his performances.
This season alone, Onana has made three errors leading to goals in the Premier League, undoubtedly contributing to their lowly standing in 2024/25, with Amorim needing to make a brutal call over his future.
His showing against Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night was another example of his inability to deliver, being at fault for both of the hosts’ goals – proving Nemanja Matic’s claim right in the process.
There’s no denying that the Red Devils would’ve returned from France with a lead heading into the second leg, but his unforgivable mistakes could see the side end the season trophyless.
Such showings have led to rumours over a move for Verbruggen, with the current Brighton star massively outperforming the former Inter Milan ace in numerous key areas throughout 2024/25.
The Dutchman, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by journalist John Bennett, has saved more shots per 90 this campaign, whilst also stopping more crosses – offering that commanding presence the Red Devils have lacked.
Games played
29
31
Goals conceded
46
41
Saves made
2.8
2.7
Crosses stopped
0.9
0.6
Pass accuracy
78%
72%
Passes completed per game
33
31
Points per game
1.5
1.2
He’s also completed more of his attempted passes, whilst achieving a higher point per game record, and having the ability to save the side in key moments – something which Onana has been unable to do.
Given the mistakes made by the 29-year-old in recent years, the club simply can’t afford to stick with him next season, undoubtedly missing out on more key points if he remains the number one option.
They may lose a hefty chunk on their big-money investment, but they desperately need to offload him when the window opens, with Verbruggen a great option to replace the error-prone shot-stopper.
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