Manchester United are linked with a move for Xavi SimonsManchester United are linked with a move for Xavi Simons
Manchester United are linked with a move for Xavi Simons | Getty Images
Manchester United are reportedly looking at strengthening their goalkeeping department in the summer
Manchester United are already said to be making progress with bolstering their goalkeeping options as talks with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan over a potential summer move have reportedly made “significant progress”.
Signing a new goalkeeper is a possibility for United this summer but not an absolute priority with the focus in other positions as Ruben Amorim looks to build a squad capable of challenging further up the table.
United lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night with their hopes of qualifying for Europe via their Premier League positions all-but extinguished. Their summer could be heavily impacted by their qualification for the Champions League, which can still be achieved by winning the Europa League.
Current United goalkeeper Andre Onana has come under criticism on a number of occasions since his £47.5m move from Inter Milan back in the summer of 2023 and there is now the potential he could be replaced come the summer.
United talks with Maignan make progress
Spanish outlet Fichajes has reported that United have made “significant progress” in their negotiations with Maignan but have insisted Milan will not allow the goalkeeper to depart easily as they see him as a big part of their future. A substantial offer could change their stance but the Red Devils may be able to lure the Frenchman to Old Trafford for a reduced fee as he has just one year to run on his current contract at the San Siro come the end of the season.
There have been widespread reports in Italy that an agreement has been reached on an extension until 2028 but as of yet that has not been made official. Giving the Red Devils the chance to snap Maignan up for a cut-price move before Milan risk losing him for free. Fichajes claim that United intend to contact the Italian outfit soon but they will need to convince Milan with the right offer, indicating that Maignan is open to a move to Old Trafford. The 29-year-old has been with AC Milan since 2021 having spent time with Lille and also in the Paris Saint-Germain B team. He also has 30 caps for France.
Ruben Amorim previous defence of Onana
Onana has conceded 137 goals in 92 games since joining United while keeping 22 clean sheets. While the sheer number of goals conceded cannot solely be blamed on him, the Cameroon international has made a litany of errors throughout his Red Devils career.
Speaking after the goalkeeper was guilty of mistakes in a 3-2 win over Ipswich Town, Amorim defended Onana publicly - telling the media: “For sure some difficult moments. He did some great saves that saved our team and sometimes he has some problems but that is normal. And if you look for our team you can find a lot of players with that issue.
“I think we are not performing so well as a team and sometimes players have a problem. People talk about the second goal from Ipswich, he is waiting for the touch of [Liam] Delap. That is really clear. And then the ball continues to the goal. So that can happen. We just have to support Andre and forget about the past and prepare for the future.”