Marc-André ter Stegen has long been a cornerstone in Barcelona’s goal, but the winds in Catalonia are shifting. According to recent reports, Manchester United have reignited their interest in the German international amid growing uncertainty surrounding André Onana’s future. The Premier League club is actively assessing its goalkeeping options as part of a wider squad overhaul, and Ter Stegen’s name has emerged as a serious candidate. Meanwhile, Barcelona are preparing a £21 million move for Espanyol’s João Garcia, and Ter Stegen has reportedly been demoted to third choice, a move that has left him feeling betrayed.
As reported by teamTALK, Manchester United are closely monitoring the situation. Ter Stegen is not part of new manager Hansi Flick’s plans, and sources suggest United’s hierarchy have already discussed making the 33-year-old their primary target should they opt to replace Onana. While no formal offer has been made yet, the idea is gaining momentum.
Onana’s inconsistent displays during the 2024/25 season have sparked doubts about his long-term role, and his name is already being linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia. In this context, the interest in Ter Stegen is anything but random, United are seeking a seasoned presence to restore confidence and stability in goal.
Is Ter Stegen worth the risk? On the surface, the move does carry certain dangers. The German is coming off a significant knee injury that sidelined him for much of the season, limiting him to just nine appearances in 2024-25. His place was taken by Wojciech Szczęsny, and with the club now pushing to sign a younger keeper, it’s clear his era at Camp Nou is nearing its end. But the real complication may be emotional.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen in action, now a prime target for Manchester United amid tensions with Barcelona
Ter Stegen reportedly feels betrayed by the club, believing that damaging leaks were used to undermine his position and hasten his departure. At 33, he isn’t just facing a sporting exit, he’s enduring a personal rupture with a club he once called home.
For Manchester United, signing Ter Stegen would be a calculated bet on a proven profile. At 33, the German goalkeeper brings a wealth of experience, leadership qualities, and a commanding presence that could help organise a defence still in transition. His voice in the dressing room and ability to remain composed under pressure are traits United have lacked in recent times.
However, concerns remain. His long injury layoff and limited game time last season cannot be overlooked. Can his body cope with the physical demands of the Premier League? And perhaps more crucially, is he mentally ready to bounce back after the emotional toll of his final months at Barcelona? At this stage, there are more questions than answers.
🚨 Ter Stegen has refused to receive only next season's salary in exchange for a contract termination. He wants his full salary until 2028 (€42m).
— @sport pic.twitter.com/UFW64WhJUu
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 9, 2025
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The way Barcelona have managed Ter Stegen’s potential exit raises serious concerns. After 11 years of service and multiple titles, the decision to cast him aside feels uncharacteristically cold. It’s not just a matter of replacing a goalkeeper, it’s the manner in which it’s been done. If the reports are accurate, the club not only sidelined him but also leaked sensitive information to paint him as the villain. Such tactics tarnish the image of a professional who consistently stood tall, even during the club’s most turbulent moments.
For Manchester United, the appeal is clear: if they need leadership and experience, Ter Stegen offers both in abundance. But if the priority is a long-term solution with consistent physical reliability, the gamble may not be worth the cost. There’s no doubt about his class, his track record speaks for itself. Yet right now, he carries not only quality but also scars. United must carefully weigh whether replacing one under-pressure goalkeeper with another burdened by emotional and physical baggage is truly the right move. Sometimes, experience elevates a team. Other times, it becomes a weight too heavy to bear.