The message has been clear throughout the summer at Manchester United: goalkeeper is not a priority position to strengthen this summer in the transfer window.
Andre Onana would still be no. 1 this season, insiders were on several occasions. His absence of the MatchDay team versus Arsenal – fiercely defended by Ruben Amorim in the midst of accusations that he was dropped – copied with the fact that his manager did not declare him no. 1 at his pre -match press conference that did little to cement that.
Others would point out the summer budget that priority should be given on the 'bigger problem' areas – not least the attack that was completely abject last season. Amorim was supported by £ 200 million to tear up that part of the pitch and start all over again.
United now looks considerably better in that department; Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha brought an energy and a quality that has been missing for some time at Old Trafford. Benjamin Sesko, an arrival of £ 74 million, was a handful of the bank.
But a keeping error once again undo the good work on the show – and they lost.
Go back to December 20 last year when Altay Bayindir made two controversial mistakes to hit United from the Carabao Cup against Tottenham, directly from Son Heung-Min that raised spurs 4-2.
Six days later, with Onana back in the goal, he admitted directly from a corner by now-alonger Matheus Cunha. United would lose both games.
The risk that they are now running is for all the progress they seem to have made defensively, in midfield and in attack, uncertainty about the goalkeeper creates fear that the rest of the group will penetrate.
“It is really disturbing if you don't have a dominant No. 1, who is dominant in the air, who owns his six-year box, comes and hits everything and makes a lot of rescues to win your points when your defenders make mistakes,” said Gary Neville on his podcast.
“I don't know where they are on PSR, but they might have to do a little more money in the coming week or two magic, or do something on loan.”
How many rabbits they still have to pull out of the hat can still be seen. Privé is a certain degree of pessimism about how much is left when it comes to a keeper.
Earlier in the summer there was interest in a loan movement for Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa, as reported by Daily Mail Sport. That was quickly rejected by Villa and United was of little interest in striving for that movement permanently. His representatives have pushed that potential deal more than United.
Then there is Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was considered excess by Paris Saint-Germain for requirements after the arrival of Lucas Chevalier as their new No. 1.
It seemed like an obvious link. A goalkeeper at the highest level that the euros and the Champions League has won. Suggestions that Donnarumma came to Old Trafford were quickly closed. He is not being chased, the word was back.
Neville placed it best on the characteristic that makes the couple so attractive for a club the size of United.
“The reason I think they would be good keepers for Man United is not necessary because they are the best keepers in Europe, but they are big personalities and characters,” he added.
'You have seen Donnarumma in a European final that save those punishments for Italy. He looked like a giant. He played under pressure for PSG in huge games. Martinez played and won in the World Cup final for Argentina.
“They played under extreme pressure and they almost walk away with that arrogance and dominance of a goalkeeper – Man Utd needs that.”
Last season, in all games, Onana made 50 performances, Donnarumma 47, Martinez 53 and Bayindir 10.
Onana admitted 1.3 goals per match at that time, compared to 1.15 for Martinez, 0.91 Donnarumma and 1.8 for Bayindir.
Take F Saves in the box per match and Onana's 1.48 is in third place, behind the 1.91 of Martinez and Donnarumma 1.57.
Onana's 66.1%savings percentage faded compared to Donnarummma (71.5%) and Martinez (75.4%) too.
And the statistics can continue if necessary.
But the broader point here is that Manchester United can afford to have a fearful goalkeeper who disturbs things when they show green shoots of life that things can and will improve this season.
United Great Wayne Rooney compared it to his new podcast when Van der Sar came in after Roy Carroll and Tim Howard had both spells when the No. 1. Immediately arrived a feeling of calmness. The presence of Van der Sar was worth his weight in gold.
Amorim does not want to complain publicly – he cannot publicly complain about keepers – and perhaps his hands are bound. There are concerns about the exorbitant wages of Donnarummma and the money it would cost to get the 32-year-old Martinez from Villa in a period when Ineos are looking for younger players.
The Belgian younger Senne Lammens is another target, although Inter Milan will beat them in that race if they go to the 23-year-old for much longer.
“We have proven today that we can win every match in the Premier League, especially to a great team like Arsenal,” Amorim said after losing Arsenal.
“We were the better team. I am happy with the three keepers. '
With two weeks to go in the summer transfer window, United and Amorim would be wise to reconsider where their top priority is really.