Manchester United’s goalkeeper has come under fire, with broadcaster Richard Keys labeling him the “worst signing in the club’s history.”
United spent £44 million to bring the Cameroonian shot-stopper from Inter Milan in 2023, following a stellar spell in Italy where he was widely regarded as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers and played a key role in Inter’s run to the Champions League final.
However, since arriving at Old Trafford, his performances have dipped significantly, with several costly errors sparking debate over his future in the starting lineup.
Despite calls from pundits for manager Ruben Amorim to recruit a new goalkeeper this summer, the focus has instead shifted to strengthening the attack.
United had shown interest in Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and remain linked with PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha have taken precedence, leaving the current No. 1 in place for the 2025–26 season.
After missing all of pre-season due to a hamstring issue, the goalkeeper is reportedly fit for Sunday’s highly anticipated showdown with Arsenal—though the mounting criticism adds further pressure to his return.
Discussing PSG’s reported £25m asking price for Donnarumma, Andy Gray said on beIN SPORTS: ‘It depends on what a manager wants and needs. But is he worth £25m? Absolutely.
‘He’s worth that to anyone who needs a proper goalie. Hold on, what did Andre Onana cost Man United? What did he cost?’
Keys then said: ‘Well, too much. Quite simply the worst buy in Manchester United’s history, bearing in mind they gave away a world-class keeper [David de Gea] to sign him.’
Turning the conversation back to Donnarumma, who is set to leave Paris after being replaced by the French team, Gray added: ‘He’s 26, probably not even in his prime yet.
‘But he’s already got a vast amount of experience, won the Champions League with PSG and the Euros with Italy.
‘Somebody will surely take him. £25m is nothing these days, it’s nothing. A goalkeeper with his pedigree will not be sitting on the bench for long.’
Former Sky Sports presenter Keys, meanwhile, also revealed his doubts over United’s three summer signings.
‘From bust at Christmas according to Jim Ratcliffe to a massive spend this summer,’ he said.
‘Not sure about him (pointing to Benjamin Sesko). We said Mbeumo would get a decent club and he has but 75m euros? He’s had one season, he’s had one good season.’
Raising Cunha as another unconvincing signing, Keys said: ’75m euros for a party boy.’
But former Scotland player Gray defended Manchester United’s summer transfer business, saying: ‘Those three players are miles better than what they had last year, miles better.
‘I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t get a bucket load of goals between them, but it depends what happens at the other end of the pitch.’
Manchester United finished just 15th in the Premier League last campaign, 24 points outside the Champions League places.
Their first opponents Arsenal, meanwhile, finished second for the third consecutive season while reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
