Sign in Subscribe
Soccer players

Manchester United's Goalkeeping Situation: Onana Set to Stay, Potential Targets Revealed

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

André Onana will remain Manchester United's No 1 goalkeeper next season despite being injured, with the Cameroon international set to join the team on their pre-season tour to the United States. Onana suffered a hamstring problem during United's return to preseason training, prompting Altay Bayindir to take his place as the No 1 choice between the posts for the tour. The club will still target younger, more inexperienced goalkeepers to provide cover for Onana, but their focus will shift if they can acquire a top target like Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez at the right price.

Key Takeaways:

  • André Onana will almost certainly be in the side for Manchester United's Premier League curtain-raiser against Arsenal on 17 August, despite being injured.
  • The club will still remain in the market for a goalkeeper, but will target younger, more inexperienced options to provide cover for Onana.
  • If Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez becomes available at the right price, Manchester United will reconsider their goalkeeping targets.
  • Radek Vitek, a 21-year-old Czech goalkeeper, will start in United's first game of the tour in New Jersey on 27 July, in Onana's absence.
  • United have held talks with Napoli regarding the potential transfer of Alejandro Garnacho, but a gap in valuation remains.
  • Marcus Rashford is another player eyeing a move to the continent, with Barcelona sporting director Deco admitting the club's interest in the England international.
  • Jadon Sancho remains of interest to Juventus, but his wage demands are proving to be a stumbling block.
  • The club expect to complete the purchase of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford soon, despite the Bees rejecting two bids.

Statistics:

  • Onana could return from his hamstring injury within four weeks, following positive treatment.
  • United acquired two goalkeepers during the summer transfer window, while Radek Vitek is a highly-rated 21-year-old signing.
  • The Red Devils have struggled to offload wantaway stars, with money tight as a result.
  • United and Napoli remain apart in valuation over the transfer of Alejandro Garnacho.
  • Talks have been held between United and Brentford regarding the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo, who is valued highly by the Bees.

Sources:

  • The i Paper
  • Manchester United news via The i Paper
  • Brentford chairman's comments on the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo via The i Paper

Read more