Roy Keane has already expressed Jordan Pickford doubts amid Manchester United links

Manchester United's search for a new goalkeeper could be as important as their pursuit of a new centre forward.

At the end of the 2022/23 season, the general consensus was David de Gea's time as number one had come to an abrupt end. Mistakes over the course of the campaign appeared to undermine his Golden Glove triumph and his expiring contract led to calls for his release.

Erik ten Hag and United have confirmed negotiations are ongoing and the former wants De Gea to stay but cannot guarantee him a first choice spot, meaning a keeper will be on the wishlist this summer.

One of the names reported to be of interest is Everton's Jordan Pickford. England's number one signed a new deal at Goodison Park in February which will keep him contracted until 2027, but this has not stopped specultion from naming him as a top Ten Hag target.

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Had the Toffees been relegated last season, United would have been able to buy the 29-year-old on the cheap but a significant sum is now almost a guarantee. While this could be used as reason enough to avoid Pickford, Roy Keane gave a damning verdict on the England star when highlighting his performance against Manchester City last month.

Speaking on Sky Sports the former United captain said: "Pickford for the goal, my goodness, looks so small in there. There's no spring, he's not anticipating. Micah [Richards] said before the game he's a top goalkeeper - he's not."

While Keane's criticism could be dismissed as just another one of his rants, Pickford is prone to an error. If the Reds are going to spend big money on a keeper, there are safer than going after the former Sunderland man. De Gea splits opinion and another shot stopper who divides