Manchester United have kicked off their summer with a series of decisive moves following a disastrous season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and suffer a crushing defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
The rebuild at Old Trafford is already underway. The club has secured the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and is in advanced negotiations with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo. Now, attention is shifting to one of the most crucial areas of the pitch, the goalkeeper position.
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, United have set their sights on Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin. The Ukrainian international, who has been with the Spanish giants since 2018, is seen as a viable target. Initially, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez was the board’s top choice. However, the Argentine World Cup winner has received offers from Saudi Arabia that far exceed what United are prepared to offer, reportedly three times higher, making that deal unlikely.
Should United pursue Lunin for €15m, or prioritise Martinez despite his Saudi offers?
Lunin, meanwhile, has already been approached by Manchester United through his agent, Jorge Mendes. At 26 years old, and with La Liga and Champions League titles to his name, the Ukrainian has garnered interest for his composure and ability when called upon. As things stand, United are prepared to offer around €15 million to bring him to Old Trafford.
From an editorial standpoint, this move represents a calculated gamble. The price tag is reasonable considering Lunin’s age, pedigree, and the high-level experience he has accumulated as Thibaut Courtois’ deputy at Real Madrid. His performances in crucial matches, particularly during Courtois’ absence, showed glimpses of top-class potential.
However, a major question remains: can a goalkeeper who has rarely been a first-choice starter take command of United’s fragile defence, especially at a time when Rúben Amorim is trying to lay the tactical foundations of a new era? Lunin may offer upside and long-term value, but whether he’s ready to anchor a high-pressure rebuild remains an open and vital question.
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Amorim is prioritising stability from the back, and that starts with a goalkeeper who not only excels in reflex saves but radiates consistent security. In that regard, Emiliano Martínez offers a proven profile, especially with his World Cup-winning pedigree. But the financial demands tied to his salary, particularly in light of lucrative offers from Saudi clubs, make that route far more complicated.
Opting for Lunin carries an element of risk, but also real potential. At 26, he has the tools to develop into a long-term solution, and the involvement of Jorge Mendes signals confidence in the player’s readiness to make the leap. For a club trying to rebuild without getting entangled in a wage bidding war, Lunin emerges as a pragmatic and forward-thinking option.