Troy Deeney scoffs as Man United eye deal for Arsenal reject – ‘Even worse’
Troy Deeney was almost in disbelief at the latest transfer news coming out of Man United ahead of the summer transfer window.
Ruben Amorim is under tremendous pressure at Man United, but having only arrived at Old Trafford in November, the manager has barely been given a chance to mould the squad to his liking.
Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund are all seen as deadweight in the current squad, but before incomings can be sealed, the Red Devils will need to offload these kinds of players.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe making several cost-cutting decisions at Man United, splashing the cash will be extremely difficult for Amorim, and so bargain deals are already emerging at Old Trafford.
According to The Sun (14 April), United are now among the teams monitoring Aaron Ramsdale after Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed already.
Having been sold to the Saints by Arsenal last summer, Deeney has been taken aback by the transfer rumour, especially given Amorim’s preference to play out from the back and keep possession.
Aaron Ramsdale transfer link at Man United shocks
Speaking live on talkSPORT (15 April, 4:22pm), Deeney said: “I don’t think he’s a massive upgrade on Onana, currently. He’s been relegated twice,” only to be corrected.
He continued: “Oh, three times – even worse. Arsenal didn’t have him because they felt he wasn’t good enough with his feet. Now, Man United want to play out from the back are going to go and get the person that Arsenal don’t think is good enough. It doesn’t fit, but Rambo is a lovely guy.”
Despite his surprise, United-supporting host Andy Goldstein replied: “I would have him in a heartbeat over Onana,” to which Deeney said: “Would ya? I think they’re very similar.”
Again, Goldstein continued: “I don’t see him making mistakes like Onana, not to the same level,”
with Deeney finally replying: “Have you not been watching?”
| Stat, as per FotMob | Aaron Ramsdale at Southampton (2024/25) | Andre Onana at Man United (2024/25) |
| Saves | 105 | 87 |
| Save % | 64.8 | 68 |
| Errors leading to goals | 0 | 3 |
| Acted as sweeper | 7 | 9 |
| High claim | 20 | 21 |
Ruben Amorim needs time to rebuild Man United squad
Football Insider verdict
Understandably, supporters at Old Trafford are growing impatient about their team’s performances on the pitch, but Amorim must be given more time to adapt the squad before he is judged.
With Lisandro Martinez injured, the likes of Harry Maguire and Lindelof are not good enough to be playing a back-three for one of the biggest teams in football history.
After watching his Sporting CP team play, even against the likes of Pep Guardiola‘s Man City in the Champions League, it is clear just how talented the 40-year-old is.
However, with the Red Devils sitting 14th in the Premier League table, there is immense pressure to already make changes at the helm, and the manager might not get the chance to prove himself.
If United are to get back to their very best, it will take a few years of backing the same manager, highs and lows, and some patient supporters, but that is a difficult ask in the sport of football.