Sir Jim Ratcliffe pictured at Manchester United's Europa League final in Bilbao.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe pictured at Manchester United's Europa League final in Bilbao.
Manchester United might be pursuing - at present - but there are other areas of their squad that need fixing before they take on Arsenal next month.
One particular area which is currently being overlooked is their goalkeeping department. ended the 2024/25 season under the microscope after a series of mistakes in crucial matches which culminated in the horror show in Lyon which - rather fortunately - did not cost United.
The Manchester Evening News understands Onana has received reassurances that he will be staying put at the club, this summer. This is probably the only course of action available to United considering the cost implications involved with signing a new No.1 stopper.
However, it could be argued that Onana is not being helped by the lack of competition he has. has signed a new contract, but he's firmly third choice and , barring his heroics against Arsenal in the FA Cup, has struggled to impress.
With another campaign with Onana as first choice on the horizon, it would be unsurprising to see Bayindir leave in search of more regular football. If this was to happen, would need to sign a back-up that can step up for the club better than the Turkey international has.
That is where Matej Kovar comes in. Having been sold in 2023 by , to Bayer Leverkusen, - but this time to PSV Eindhoven.
Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar during a Champions league match. (Image: ANP via Getty Images)
It's claimed that Leverkusen are set to receive little more than £5m for , who did impress when called upon. The 25-year-old made six appearances in the Champions League last season and while he was unable to establish himself as the German club's first choice, he provided good competition for their stalwart shot-stopper Lukas Hradecky.
Perhaps this is an opportunity that has been firmly missed by United this summer. Kovar qualifies as a homegrown player for United having progressed through their academy system while he arguably has more ability to compete with Onana than Bayindir.
At £5m as a fee, he would be an inexpensive signing for the club and would provide a solution for an issue which is threatening to loom over United again this season. If you take a look across the city, Pep Guardiola has Ederson and Stefan Ortega competing for the No.1 shirt - and this competition has kept the Brazilian firmly on his toes.
Onana is not being helped by the lack of viable options at the club and Ineos are about to miss out on the perfect chance to address that.
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