Parker concerned by Manchester United keeper woes

Manchester United icon Paul Parker believes his former club need to address their goalkeeping department if they are to progress and challenge for a potential European qualification spot this season.

The Red Devils suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to rivals Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal of the game, with United keeper Altay Bayindir drawing criticism for his inability to deal with the cross into the United box that led to the goal.

It is an issue that has plagued United for years and is proving to be problematic for Ruben Amorim's side already. The importance of the goalkeeper role was undoubtedly accentuated by the fact that Arsenal's number one, David Raya, pulled off a string of stunning saves to keep United's attack at bay.

Martinez and Donnarumma identified as possible targets

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now on behalf of William Hill, Parker said, "I like [Emiliano] Martinez from Villa & also PSG’s [Gianluigi] Donnarumma. Either of those two would be a massive addition to the club.

"Man Utd have always had top goalkeepers, and I hope they can secure a new one because it’s needed.

"If United want to push in the top ten and then into Europe, it is so important you have a commanding presence between the sticks who gives confidence to the defence.

"[Andre] Onana and Bayindir don’t give that belief to the team. They don’t give the fans encouragement, so it's vital that if we want the team to push on and compete, you need a top keeper.

"They can win you games and save you points. We saw that first-hand with Raya making a huge save for Arsenal at Old Trafford last weekend."

Patience needed with Sesko

Another United player who attracted some negative attention after the defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford was the £74 million summer signing from RB Leipzig, Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian international was signed as a target to solve United's profligacy in front of goal. However, after coming on as a substitute for Mason Mount in the 65th minute, many United fans felt that the striker showed little of the "world-class potential" label he was given.

However, former England international Parker believes that the 22-year-old requires patience to reach his full potential in the Premier League.

Parker added, "I​t’s so important to give him time.

"He looks good, he looks confident, and now we have [Bryan] Mbuemo and [Matheus] Cunha, he will get chances for sure.

"If he can score early, then confidence will be high, and then he will have the full support of the crowd and become a Man Utd hero.

"It’s so tough with no European football to attract a top striker, but I hope that Sesko can be the guy that helps United return to European football.

"We only have the League to really concentrate on this year with no European football, so if we can get momentum, it will really boost our prospects – and that means Sesko scoring early."

European football remains the aim for United

Despite the current issues that appear to still need addressing at United, Parker is adamant that qualifying for European football this season should still be the aim for Amorim and his players.

Parker stated, "The minimum is top half this season. But for me, it’s securing European football again.

"First and foremost, we need to have a team who compete well in every game. Like the opening game, we saw fight and passion and a will to get forward.

"This is what Manchester United teams do – they attack well, have good wingers and a top striker to score goals.

"Arsenal are a top side, but I hope this opening game can be a springboard to move the club back into the top half of the league and competing with the best teams again."