As results on the pitch continue to encapsulate their struggles even after the Premier League season has concluded, Manchester United have reportedly already set their sights on some key upgrades.
Man Utd defeated by ASEAN All-Stars
Whilst other clubs have taken a much-needed rest following a frantic Premier League season, Manchester United are currently in Asia on a post-season tour. But even outside of Europe, they haven't been able to escape their problems. Just one week after suffering defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Devils were humiliated by ASEAN All-Stars earlier this week to only add to their misery.
In a game which featured several mainstays, including Andre Onana, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United's Asian fans would have been expecting Ruben Amorim's side to get back to winning ways, albeit only in a friendly.
What they received instead, however, is the experience that many around Old Trafford have become accustomed to. And like those at Old Trafford, they reacted by booing the defeat that they were witnessing - boos that Amorim has since admitted his side need to hear.
The Manchester United boss told reporters after yet another defeat: "I'm always guilty of the performance of the team, no matter what. Since I've been here from the first day, I am guilty. The boos from the fans is something that we need, maybe. Because every game we lost in the Premier League, they [fans] were always there [supporting].
Osimhen-Man-Utd-Premier-League Related
Gordon Strachan tells Man Utd to sign £30m star who'd be better than Osimhen
Gordon Strachan was speaking to Football FanCast this week.
"It's like the way of playing, if they see that it's not working, they will change the way they behave. But I felt when we finished and walked away, the supporters were with us. But, again, let's wait for the next season."
The defeat once again highlighted just how desperately Manchester United need to get things right this summer, perhaps starting with a signing that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly not giving up on.
Man Utd set to hold more Joan Garcia talks
According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now set to hold new talks to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia in the coming days, with Ratcliffe failing to give up on the deal despite interest from Barcelona, who are the current favorites to get a deal done. Reports from Spain have even claimed that Garcia has even chosen Barcelona, but Man Utd are looking to hiajck a move.
The interest of the Red Devils comes as little surprise, given they had discussions for the keeper last month. Garcia, with a release clause worth just €25m (£21m), ticks the box for the type of bargain that United must target this summer as they look to replace Onana.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Joan Garcia Andre Onana
Starts 38 34
Clean Sheets 8 9
Saves P90 3.68 2.59
Save Percentage 75.5% 68.9%
If there are any concerns that Garcia wouldn't be a major upgrade on Onana, then the numbers should put those concerns to bed in an instant. The Spaniard has enjoyed an excellent season at Espanyol and has been praised by Ben Mattinson since the very start, with the analyst dubbing him "dominant" back in August.
joan garcia
For just £21m, the deal makes perfect sense for Manchester United if they want to end their goalkeeper struggles once and for all in the coming months.