Manchester United's performances in the Premier League have largely been positive - but there is still a glaring issue
Sean McCormick is a content editor across our North East and Yorkshire football clubs. He was previously a Newcastle United reporter, a trends writer covering both the Magpies and Sunderland AFC, as well as a football content editor at the Manchester Evening News. He also writes about darts and boxing. He joined us in 2016.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez(Image: Getty Images)
Sir Alex Ferguson once famously said: "Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles."
And while Manchester United's dismal Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby perhaps signified just how far away Ruben Amorim's side are from challenging for the biggest trophies, the point still stands when it comes to United's prospects in the Premier League this term.
United's current first and second choice goalkeepers, Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, have proven themselves not to be reliable options.
Both have produced a number of error-strewn displays during their time at the club and both have been culpable for goals already this season that have cost United.
Bayindir flapped badly at Declan Rice's corner in United's opening game of the season against Arsenal to allow Riccardo Calafiori to head home the simplest of goals. United were largely the better team but were punished by a bad goalkeeping error.
Onana then followed suit against Grimsby where he was at fault for both goals as the League Two side dumped United out in the second round of the League Cup.
In the Premier League, United's performances have largely been positive. But unless they make a change in goal, they will continue to drop points.
As such, as we head into the final hours of the transfer window on deadline day today, United have to act and bring in a new goalkeeper.
Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens remains the most likely option, with the Manchester Evening News reporting on Sunday that United are pushing to try and sign the 23-year-old Belgian.
Aston Villa are also said to be sniffing around Lammens and a move to Villa Park could well open the door for United to make a sensational last minute move for Emiliano Martinez.
No matter which direction United go in, it should make for an exciting final few hours of the window. But they also have to ensure they get their decision right after fully revamping their goalkeeper department under Erik ten Hag and getting it badly wrong.
Despite the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon this summer, a new goalkeeper would be their most important signing of the summer.
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