Andre Onana has had a galling second season at Man United that could still end with a trophy in Bilbao next week.
Comments
Sport
Onana is the United first choice still
Onana is the United first choice still
Manchester United do not regard a goalkeeper as a priority target this summer.
United have prioritised three or four key signings, with their prime targets a playmaker, a striker and a midfielder.
Ruben Amorim wants a new goalie for his first full season in charge but United have no plans to spend a significant sum on one unless Andre Onana leaves.
Onana, 29, wants to stay at United and his recent switch to the LIAN Sports Group agency was not with a view to a summer transfer.
LIAN have a number of clients in the Saudi Pro League, which would be the only realistic outlet for Onana if he has a change of heart.
United are still scouting for a new 'keeper amid the likelihood that Altay Bayindir will be sold. Turkey international Bayindir could seek regular playing time elsewhere a year before the World Cup.
Third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton could end up staying at United as he approaches the final month of his existing deal. Heaton turned 39 in April and has not played since February 2023.
Onana is under contract at United until 2028 and the club would require a fee of £28.32million to sell him without making a loss under the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules.
Senior figures at United remain supportive of Onana and hope he can regain the form of the first three months of the season. There is an acceptance his form has spiralled since he was beaten by Morgan Gibbs-White's strike in the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on December 7.
Onana was rested for the 4-1 defeat at Newcastle United last month, three days after he was culpable for both of Lyon's goals in United's Europa League quarter-final first leg draw.
Before the match, Onana claimed United were "way better" than Lyon. That drew an explosive response from Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic as he branded Onana "one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history".
Onana has not played in three of United's past five Premier League games as Amorim has elected to rotate him with Bayindir, who has conceded ten goals in the three league defeats he has started in.
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And finally, if you'd rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.