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Topics: Man Utd, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Ruben Amorim, Andre Onana
Chris Nee
Topics: Man Utd, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Ruben Amorim, Andre Onana
Manchester United are working to strengthen their starting eleven ahead of Ruben Amorim's first full season in charge.
United have endured a season way below their old standards in the Premier League.
While the Europa League remains their potential salvation after an incredible quarter-final comeback win over Lyon, major surgery is required in the summer transfer window to avoid a repeat of their domestic campaign.
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The Red Devils are 14th in the table and could yet drop as far as 17th, the lowest position in the league table that doesn't carry the ignominy of relegation.
Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November, leaving Sporting CP earlier than he wanted in order to take the job.
The team's fortunes haven't improved but a positive summer in spite of the daft hand of Ineos could make all the difference next term.
One of the many positions United need to upgrade is goalkeeper, where Andre Onana has too often been responsible for costly mistakes.
According to reports, the Red Devils are looking to Italy for the Cameroonian's replacement.
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"Manchester United stopped trusting Onana a while ago," reports AS.
"His mistakes are costing him his job, and potential replacements are already emerging."
New Jersey-born Japanese international stopper Zion Suzuki is at or near the top of United's target list.
AS claims that the club's interest in 22-year-old Suzuki, who has impressed in Serie A since joining Parma from J1 League side Urawa Reds last summer, is "gaining traction" as the transfer window draws closer.
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Suzuki was close to joining Man Utd as a replacement for David De Gea in the summer of 2023 but reportedly rejected the move over concerns about playing time.
The Parma goalkeeper's asking price has jumped up since then and it's understood that United would have to meet a release clause of €40 million to get their man.
After shelling out to snare Onana two years ago, it's an investment the club can ill afford but would be well advised to make.
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As well as conceding exactly the number of goals expected based on the quality of shots he's faced and no more, Suzuki is among Europe's most effective goalkeepers when it comes to distribution over distance.
United will limp to the end of the Premier League season with a goalkeeper they don't trust but a two-legged Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao beckons.
If a Champions League place is likely to tempt Suzuki to England, three more wins in Europe would go a long way towards bringing him in.