Manchester United officials remain hopeful Andre Onana can improve his form as a new goalkeeper is not high on the club’s agenda this summer, according to a report.
The Manchester Evening News reveals United “do not regard a goalkeeper as a priority target” despite the woeful form of Onana and back-up Altay Bayindir since Ruben Amorim arrived in November to replace Erik ten Hag.
However, the Cameroonian international’s performances prior to Amorim’s appointment were largely excellent. And it’s this the club appear to be banking on to allow funds to be directed elsewhere.
There is a view amongst Old Trafford’s executives that Onana’s form “spiralled” after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in December after the 29-year-old made a poor mistake for Morgan Gibbs-White’s goal.
The Manchester Evening News contends “senior figures at United remain supportive of Onana” with the former Inter Milan star keen to remain at the club this summer. The club retains hope Onana “regain the form of the first three months of the season” as the budget will not stretch to a high-profile signing in goal.
Instead, the report contends, United will target “three or four key signings, with their prime targets a playmaker, a striker and a midfielder”, despite Amorim actively pushing for a new shot stopper.
“Ruben Amorim wants a new goalie for his first full season in charge but United have no plans to spend a significant sum on one unless Andre Onana leaves.
“Onana, 29, wants to stay at United and his recent switch to the LIAN Sports Group agency was not with a view to a summer transfer. LIAN have a number of clients in the Saudi Pro League, which would be the only realistic outlet for Onana if he has a change of heart.”
But this does not rule out a new goalkeeper arriving at Old Trafford, just not a big-money one to replace Onana. Rather, a replacement is being sought for Bayindir who will likely be sold this summer.
“United are still scouting for a new ‘keeper amid the likelihood that Altay Bayindir will be sold. Turkey international Bayindir could seek regular playing time elsewhere a year before the World Cup.
“Third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton could end up staying at United as he approaches the final month of his existing deal. Heaton turned 39 in April and has not played since February 2023.”
This raises the prospect of cheaper options such as Joan Garcia (Espanyol) or Senne Lammens (Royal Antwerp) being pursued after the club have prioritised more high-profile targets further forward.
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Darragh Fox Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
