Wayne Rooney claims Man Utd 'would be crazy' not to swoop for Champions League winner before summer transfer deadline

While United have already spent close to £200 million ($270m) this summer, bringing in players like Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, Rooney believes that Ruben Amorim's squad still has some key gaps. They succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their Premier League opener, thanks to an Altay Bayindir howler, and the former England striker feels that the Red Devils need at least two more key reinforcements if they are to be competitive this season.

Donnarumma, who played a key role in PSG's Champions League success last season, is looking to leave the French giants after being sidelined by coach Luis Enrique. Rooney believes that this is the perfect window to snap the 26-year-old Italian from the Parisians, as questions continue to be raised over the credentials of United No.1 Andre Onana and Bayindir. 

On his BBC podcast, Rooney said: "There’s the goalkeeper situation and I’m sure every Man United fan is asking the same question. For me, Donnarumma is out there and if there’s a possibility you can get him, you have to go for him. Clearly, that [the goalkeeper] is an issue."

He added: "I go back to when we had Roy Carroll and Tim Howard in goal. I don’t think there was 100 per cent trust from the defenders in front of those two goalkeepers. But the minute [Edwin] Van der Sar came in and calmed everything down, the defenders trusted him a lot more and you see a better output of performance. These United players want that confidence and trust in the goal behind them and I just don’t see that with the ones we’ve got at the moment. With Donnarumma, he’s 26 and one of the best keepers in the world. It would be crazy if Manchester United didn’t go for him. If the deal can be done and what Donnarumma wants [in terms of a salary] is another question but I’d certainly be asking the question and try to get him to the club."

In addition to a new goalkeeper, Rooney also urged the club to bring in another midfielder. The Red Devils have been linked with Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, though both players are expected to cost a fortune. 

"Obviously we don’t know what the situation is with PSR," the United legend said. "But to get a midfielder and a goalkeeper is a priority, if they can address that before the window closes they will be in an okay place."

Despite the earnest pleas from Rooney, it has been reported that INEOS officials have firmly shut the door on the chances of signing a new goalkeeper. Nonetheless, Amorim is facing growing pressure to improve United’s fortunes after a disappointing 15th-place finish last season. Their next test comes on Sunday when they travel to face Fulham in the Premier League, a match that will give United the chance to bounce back from their loss to Arsenal.