Alan Shearer was pleasantly surprised with Manchester United's performance against Arsenal on Sunday, but admits that one position could let them down this season
Alan Shearer.
Alan Shearer believes Manchester United's goalkeeping will be their 'downfall' this season
(Image: YouTube/The Overlap)
Alan Shearer believes that Manchester United's "downfall" this season will depend on whether Ruben Amorim signs a new goalkeeper before the transfer window closes.
The Red Devils showed a much-improved side of themselves in their Premier League opener against Arsenal, despite the 1-0 defeat. The Gunners struck early in the first half through Riccardo Calafiori, when a mistake from keeper Altay Bayındır allowed the defender in at the back post to score.
While United had more shots - on and off target - and a higher percentage of passes and completions, they were unable to capitalise on this pressure for the rest of the game. However, fans will have been impressed with Amorim's side throughout the Premier League outing and the improvements since the end of the previous campaign.
Ex-Newcastle star Shearer was full of praise for the Red Devils over the weekend, but warned the club about their problem area. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, the Premier League icon also hailed new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for bringing something new to Old Trafford.
Shearer said: "I think for me the two standouts [Cunha and Mbeumo]. I mean Cunha was very good and Mbeumo was excellent. They brought a bit of unpredictability, they brought a bit of a spark and a bit of life to Manchester United.
"I do think that there was definitely more energy to the game, they certainly looked more organised, but you would feel more comfortable if they had a goalkeeper in there who you could rely on.
Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir fails to stop Declan Rice's corner and prevent Arsenal's goal, scored by Riccardo Calafiori during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Manchester United may have improved, but they still have an issue between the sticks
"I think if they don't get that, then that could be their downfall. It remains to be seen if anything happens in the next couple of weeks. But in terms of general play, I thought it was a lot better from Manchester United."
Right now, United have Andre Onana, Bayindir and Tom Heaton on their books - but neither Amorim nor the fans seem convinced by any of their choices. Onana was periodically swapped out for Bayindir last season, and the duo conceded 58 goals in the Premier League last year.
Onana didn't make the matchday squad for the first game of the season, with 39-year-old veteran Heaton on the bench instead. Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is on United's transfer radar, after he was dropped from the team's travelling squad to face Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup last week.
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is linked with a move to Manchester United
His contract in the French capital expires at the end of next season, leaving him free to depart without a transfer fee. With the current tension between player and club, it is likely that the shotstopper will depart Paris this summer for a smaller price, but United rivals Manchester City are currently leading the race for his signature.
AC Milan's Mike Maignan is also a player of interest to the Red Devils, as they continue to discuss a potential swap deal for young striker Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish forward has fallen out of favour with Amorim and looks likely to leave Manchester this summer.
It has also been reported that David De Gea could make a shock return to United following the discovery of a release clause in his Fiorentina contract that could allow him to leave for a reduced fee.