Manchester United legend Paul Parker believes David de Gea isn't the answer to the club's goalkeeping woes - but admits they do need to strengthen in that department following Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were undone by Riccardo Calafiori's header in the 13th minute, with the 23-year-old capitalising on a mistake from Altay Bayindir.
Bayindir was picked ahead of Andre Onana, with Tom Heaton on the bench.
But his shaky start to the season has led to renewed suggestions that United will attempt to bring in a new goalkeeper before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.
Manchester United legend Paul Parker believes David de Gea isn't the answer to the club's goalkeeping woes - but admits they do need to strengthen in that department following Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford
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Over the weekend, David de Gea was linked with a sensational return to Old Trafford.
The Spain international enjoyed 12 years in Manchester earlier in his career before being ruthlessly cut loose by Erik ten Hag back in 2023.
De Gea spent a year without a club before joining Fiorentina last year, where he established himself as a key player.
He returned to United earlier this month to play a pre-season match and was given a special photograph but club captain Bruno Fernandes in recognition of all his years of service.
While De Gea is a popular figure at his old club, Parker doesn't think he's the answer to their issues at the back.
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Speaking exclusively to GB News, via 7bet football betting, the two-time Premier League winner said: "I don’t think De Gea will be coming back to the club.
"But I believe they do need a new goalkeeper."
Emiliano Martinez and Gianluigi Donnarumma, in addition to De Gea, have been the subject of speculation about a potential move to United.
Parker added: "Martinez has been linked as well as the PSG goalkeeper. Both would be a massive upgrade on what we have right now.
"It’s so important you have a commanding presence in goal and also can use their feet well."
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David de Gea was forced out of Manchester United by Erik ten Hag
|PA
Parker has also expressed a belief that United need a new midfielder, too.
Casemiro is a player on the wane, while Manuel Ugarte had a nightmare time on the field following his introduction.
Parker stated: "A commanding centre midfielder is what Manchester United are after.
"They have been after this for a while now and it must be addressed or Man Utd will not push on.
"Offensively I believe Man Utd will progress on last year for sure. They will score more goals, they will cause defences problems, like they did yesterday, but they need a leader in the centre of the park.
"Casemiro just hasn’t got the legs to last 90 minutes. He started well yesterday, but after 60 mins, he looks leggy and can’t run the game.
"Bruno [Fernandes] needs someone with him to relieve him on any defensive side of the game."
United finished 15th in the league last season. Yet Parker thinks they'll improve this term, if Sunday's showing against Arsenal is anything to go by.
"[Matthijs] De ligt was excellent. [Matheus] Cunha and [Bryan] Mbuemo were outstanding. Both had so much energy and forward drive and enthusiasm to make something happen.
"[Benjamin] Sesko has only just signed and will take time to get up and running, but there were plenty of positives for sure. United looked scared to play at home last season, but yesterday was different.
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Manuel Ugarte struggled during Man Utd's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford
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"There was so much positivity yesterday from the team, they looked a team who wanted to get forward to score.
"Amad, Mbuemo, Cunha, Fernandes are going to create plenty of chances and once Sesko starts scoring, Man Utd will look a lot better.
"So yes, there is plenty of optimism for sure from myself and I believe the fans. If you lose but you see signs of a will to perform, then there are signs that Man Utd can improve from last season for sure.
"I see a top half finish and a European finish should be the aim for sure."