United could sign a goalkeeper this summer but Onana is still the best option they have.placeholder image
United could sign a goalkeeper this summer but Onana is still the best option they have. | Getty Images
Man United are looking to replace Andre Onana this summer as they aim to rebuild under Ruben Amorim.
Andre Onana’s future at Man United remains very uncertain, as the keeper had a poor season last year, and many reports have suggested that United could replace him, by signing a new goalkeeper, just two years after bringing him to Old Trafford.
However, to be able to spend more, Man United have to sell, as they have already spent over £200m on new players this summer, and are in desperate need of a boost to their transfer funds.
Rasmus Hojlund has emerged as a potential sell target this summer, as the Danish international has lost his starting striker role to new signing Benjamin Sesko. He’s been linked with a move away, and could help provide United with a replacement for Onana.
Manchester United should swap Hojlund for Mike Maignan
However, in terms of selling Hojlund, AC Milan are currently in talks to sign the Danish attacker, with a figure of around £38m suggested in a potential loan to buy deal. If United were to agree a deal with Milan, they could instead suggest a swap deal, which would see Hojlund move to Milan, and goalkeeper Mike Maignan join United.
The Red Devils were linked with Maignan earlier in the transfer window, and so could fill their goalkeeper needs, by offering Hojlund in a swap for the French goalkeeper. Seeing as Maignan has just one year left on his contract at AC Milan, the Italian side would likely be tempted to include him, to ensure they get some form of return, rather than letting him leave as a free agent next summer.
Why would a swap benefit Man United?
A swap deal would benefit both clubs, as it would allow each team to fill a team need in their squads. It would also allow United to bring in one of the world’s best goalkeepers, who is excellent both on the ball, and with reflex saves. Maignan would certainly help sure up Amorim’s defence, which could help them in their pursuit of European football.
Maignan is regarded as an excellent goalkeeper, and he has generated praise from some top names in the game. Thierry Henry spoke very highly of his fellow Frenchman last year on CBS Sports, suggesting that he is by far the best keeper in France.
“For me, this guy is absolutely magnificent.” Henry said, “For the past four years, in France, he has been our best goalkeeper. You don’t win a big competition without a big goalkeeper.”
Maignan has been at AC Milan since 2021, and has since made over 160 appearances, managing to concede just 170 goals, and keep 59 clean sheets. If United could sign him on a swap, they wouldn’t only get a good return on Hojlund, but they’d also land a fantastic replacement for Andre Onana.
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