After a season that many at Old Trafford will want to quickly forget, Manchester United face an urgent need for rebuilding. Finishing 15th in the Premier League was not only a blow to the club’s pride but also a clear sign that the decisions made so far have not worked. With Ruben Amorim now in charge, a new era begins, marked by questions, ambition and pressure.
The goalkeeping position has been a source of doubt and frustration for months. André Onana‘s inconsistency was visible even to the most distracted observer. Every mistake cost points, matches and credibility. It is no surprise that the club are evaluating other options, the favorite being Emiliano Martinez.
Among those options, the name of Diogo Costa stands out strongly. The Porto goalkeeper has become, according to journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto on his X account, the club’s priority. His post, translated, makes it clear.
Diogo Costa for Porto with a Manchester United red shadow, hinting at a potential goalkeeper switch
“As I have been reporting in recent weeks, Diogo Costa remains on Manchester United’s list to fill the goalkeeper position. The price tag could be an obstacle for the Red Devils. He has been Ruben Amorim’s favourite since January, but there are other options on the table if Onana leaves.”
Betting on Diogo Costa as a direct replacement for Andre Onana makes sense from a technical perspective. The Portuguese goalkeeper boasts sharper reflexes, stronger aerial command, and a level of maturity that defies his age. At just 25, Costa has already proven his reliability in high-pressure European fixtures, and his leadership role at FC Porto has earned him admiration across the continent.
However, the question remains: should Manchester United commit entirely to one target, or adopt a more measured approach by exploring other viable options? The transfer market presents several intriguing goalkeeping profiles, some potentially more affordable and with less immediate pressure attached. A balanced evaluation may be wiser than a headline-driven decision, especially given the delicate rebuilding phase United find themselves in.
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However, if the objective is to rebuild a disorganised team with serious defensive deficiencies, Costa could be a central figure in that reconstruction. His arrival would send a clear message: Amorim does not want quick fixes, but structural solutions.
On the other hand, the price is a stumbling block. Porto does not usually negotiate cheaply, and the transfer fee could be close to €60-70 million. Is it justified? If Costa performs as expected and helps return the club to the top four, it will be. Otherwise, it will be another episode in United’s long list of failed bets. Meanwhile, Manchester United have earmarked Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as a replacement for Andre Onana.