Man Utd line up keeper 'who fits Amorim's style' after 'woeful' Onana display

Manchester United have reached out to Brighton & Hove Albion to enquire about their star goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, as Andre Onana’s string of high-profile blunders pushes Ruben Amorim to the brink.

The Red Devils’ 2-2 draw against Lyon in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg exposed Onana’s frailties yet again, with the Cameroon international widely blamed for both goals conceded—prompting United to accelerate plans for a shock summer shake-up between the posts.

Onana, signed from Inter Milan for £47.2m in 2023, has been a lightning rod for criticism since replacing David de Gea.

His latest errors in Lyon—a fumbled clearance for the first goal and a mistimed dive for the second—marked his eighth mistake leading to a goal in all competitions since last season, more than any Premier League keeper, per Opta stats.

United legend Paul Scholes called his performance “woeful” on TNT Sports, while ex-Wales star Robbie Savage branded it “awful.”

Even Lyon’s Nemanja Matic, a former United midfielder, piled on, labeling Onana “one of the worst in the club’s history” earlier this week.

Now, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that United have made initial contact with Brighton over Verbruggen, the 22-year-old Dutch sensation who’s earned plaudits for his reflexes and composure.

The former Anderlecht stopper, who kept five clean sheets in 21 Premier League games this season, is seen as a long-term No. 1 to restore stability.

United’s enquiry comes amid interest from Bayern Munich and AC Milan, but Amorim’s side hope their Premier League pull—and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £100m war chest—can seal the deal.

A source told TeamTalk: “Verbruggen’s on the radar—he’s young, proven, and fits Amorim’s style. Onana’s mistakes are costing points, and the boss wants competition, if not a replacement.”

Brighton, however, won’t let their prized asset go cheap, with a £40m-£50m fee floated, especially as Verbruggen’s contract runs until 2028. United could sweeten the pot by offloading Altay Bayindir, their current backup, who’s drawn interest from Turkish clubs.

Amorim publicly backed Onana post-Lyon, saying, “Mistakes happen—I’ve made more than him this season. I’m confident in André.”

But privately, doubts are growing, with Gazzetta claiming United are “prepared to move on” if a suitable upgrade emerges. Verbruggen’s ball-playing ability—averaging 35 passes per game at 85% accuracy—aligns with Amorim’s tactics, unlike Onana’s erratic distribution (78% pass completion).

The timing is telling—United face Newcastle on Sunday (4:30 PM BST), where another Onana clanger could crank up the heat. With the Europa League return leg against Lyon looming next week, Amorim needs a reliable last line.

Fans on X are split: @MUFC_Ryan tweeted, “Verbruggen’s class—time to ditch Onana!” while @RedDevil4Life urged, “Give André a break—he’s saved us plenty.” For now, United’s keeper hunt is heating up—and Verbruggen could be the answer.