Transfer window breakdown: Why Manchester United need a new heir to De Gea's goalkeeping crown

Manchester United need multiple signings in the summer window to address a number of problems - that much is clear from the team's struggles this season.

United will be hoping to appoint a new manager ahead of the summer. The front runners for the job are currently Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino. A number of players potentially looking to leave or being out of contract means the club will be in desperate need of a rebuild.

This series of articles will look to break down each position that United need to sign in the summer, including why they need to buy in that area, what profile of player they should look at and then some potential targets that fit the bill and would be attainable.

So to start with let's look at goalkeepers.

The Situation

United currently have a goalkeeping roster that includes David de Gea, Dean Henderson, Tom Heaton and Lee Grant. For this conversation, we will discount the last two as they are unlikely to feature unless in the event of an injury crisis.

De Gea is having his best season of the past few years in terms of shot-stopping but, with his bumper contract expiring in 2023, there are question marks over whether he has the attributes to be successful in the modern game.

Henderson is a more contemporary keeper, but there are reports that he is unhappy with sitting behind De Gea while the Spaniard is in such good form, so he could possibly depart in the summer.

United need second-string goalkeeper who has the attributes to be a modern sweeper-keeper and potentially take over from De Gea when his contract expires.

The Profile

To this end, United want to sign a young keeper who is 25 years old at most. They do not want to be in the scenario where they have to replace the goalkeeper again