When Manchester United signed Andre Onana from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, he was meant to be a huge piece of Erik ten Hag’s puzzle.
Brought in to replace David de Gea, whose struggles with the ball at his feet had become a recurring problem, Onana was expected to transform United’s build-up play.
His ball-playing skills were seen as elite.
A goalkeeper comfortable acting as an extra outfielder, capable of initiating attacks and commanding possession from the back.
But things haven’t gone to plan.
Despite occasional flashes of quality, Onana has made too many high-profile errors with his hands and hasn’t consistently delivered the composure or distribution expected of him.
Rather than being a game-changer, he has often resorted to going long and has looked shaky under the high ball and in high-pressure moments.
These issues have cast serious doubt over his long-term role at the club.
With Manchester United now being linked to several new goalkeepers ahead of the 2025/26 season, the question remains: Who will be the number one at Old Trafford next season?
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Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez is emerging as Manchester United’s top target to replace Andre Onana.
Reports suggest the club has opened talks with the Aston Villa goalkeeper’s representatives, laying the groundwork for a potential transfer.
United are believed to be pushing hard to secure Martinez, taking advantage of his desire to remain in England.
His family are reportedly reluctant to move abroad, which could give United an edge over other interested clubs.
Since joining Villa in 2020, Martinez has become one of the Premier League’s most reliable and consistent shot-stoppers.
He brings a calm authority, strong leadership, and big-game experience – qualities United have sorely lacked in recent years.
A World Cup winner with Argentina, he has shown he can handle pressure at the highest level, and that composure could be crucial in stabilising United’s back line.
At 32, Martinez also offers valuable experience and a winning mentality.
With United needing more players who can thrive under the spotlight, his arrival would be a major statement of intent.
However, at 32, some are angling for a younger option, someone who is more of a long term goalkeeping option for United.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
One of the names recently linked with a return to Old Trafford is Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
Although reports claim he is currently in advanced talks with Napoli over a potential €18 million move from Torino.
Talks are said to have taken place recently, with Napoli keen to act quickly and beat off competition from United and other interested clubs.
Milinkovic-Savic was actually on United’s books once before, having signed as a teenager in 2014.
However, a failed work permit application meant he never made an appearance for the club and was eventually let go, later rebuilding his career in Italy.
Now 28, he brings solid experience and has been one of Serie A’s standout performers.
While not as experienced as Emiliano Martinez, he would represent a more long-term solution between the posts – and a second chance at United that few saw coming.
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Andre Onana
Despite the ongoing links with replacements, Andre Onana may still remain Manchester United’s number one next season.
Especially if the club prioritises spending in other areas due to a limited budget.
If that’s the case, it will almost certainly be his last chance to prove himself.
Onana must cut out the errors, improve his consistency under pressure, and show the ball-playing quality he was signed for.
United can’t afford another season of uncertainty in goal.
Marco Carnesecchi
Another name under serious consideration is Marco Carnesecchi – a young Italian goalkeeper seen as a potential long-term solution at Old Trafford.
United are said to have made early contact with his representatives, with Carnesecchi earning admiration for his shot stopping ability.
At 24, he fits the profile of a modern keeper who could develop into a starter for years to come.
He was a key part of Atalanta’s campaign last season, keeping 13 clean sheets in Serie A and showing a maturity beyond his years.
Although he recently signed a new deal running until 2028, United’s existing relationship with Atalanta , could give them an edge in negotiations if they decide to make a move.
While no bid has gone in yet, Carnesecchi is firmly on the shortlist – particularly if the club decides to cash in on Onana.
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