Manchester United have been scouring the world to explore options at the goalkeeper position, and could now have a decision to make.
The injury to Andre Onana has placed a spotlight on the goalkeeping position at Manchester United.
The Cameroon international has suffered a hamstring injury and faces six weeks on the sidelines.
This raises a series of questions for Manchester United, with uncertainty already existing over the future of Altay Bayindir.
United were already doing due diligence on potential goalkeeper signings, and there are a number of names in the mix, some familiar and others new.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty ImagesManchester United have explored replacing two goalkeepers
Manchester United’s first and second choice goalkeepers are Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, both of who have question marks over them.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey tells United In Focus: “I am told that in an ideal world – everything being equal, if United had their way they would have replaced both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir this summer.
“Onana did have interest from Saudi Arabia and United were open to the idea, but now with his injury him moving is less likely.
“Bayindir I am told has not attracted the sort of interest this expected, especially back his homeland – but his exit is still not totally ruled out.
“So United’s keeper search has been extensive given they could very well have been bringing in two.”
In terms of direct replacements for Andre Onana, there are four names who stand out as options for the Red Devils.
Bailey tells UIF that these four are Emiliano Martinez at Aston Villa, Lucas Chevalier at Lille, Porto’s Diogo Costa and Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
United’s ability to move for any of this quartet is dependent on finances and player sales this summer. To date the club have not sold a single player, and are focusing the existing budget on attacking players.
Bailey explains: “Talks are ongoing over the current situation – it is something they are working on and seriously thinking about, but budgets are a worry.”
Photo by Max Ellerbrake – firo sportphoto/Getty ImagesUnited following back-up options as Bayindir replacements
Manchester United have an even longer list of potential replacements for Altay Bayindir, cheaper back-up options.
While intrigued by academy youngsters Radek Vitek and Elyh Harrison, before pre-season there is no assumption either will step up. That would be something they have to prove.
One new name on the club’s list, United In Focus understand is Borussia Moenchengladbach goalkeeper Tiago Pereira Cardoso.
Cardoso, 19, is a Luxembourg international who made his Bundesliga debut this past season, where he has three clean sheets in five appearances.
Bailey explains: “They like Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and they have spoken about the option of him coming in.
“There has even been conversations of someone like a Sam Johnstone to return or Nick Pope who could be realistic challengers if they came in.
“In this bracket is also Botafogo’s John Victor – who has been offered to them and they do think he is an interesting option.
“Then there are the young options who they like and have watched, like and are keeping informed of they are the likes of Senne Lammens, Carl Rushworth and Anthony Patterson.
“We can also confirm they like Luxembourg international Tiago Pereira Cardoso at Borussia Monchengladbach.”
Lammens and John Victor have been linked to United with regularity over the past couple of months, along with Milinkovic-Savic.
United In Focus reported interest in Brighton back-up Carl Rushworth earlier in the transfer window.
Former United stopper Sam Johnstone is another interesting name as a back-up. He was part of the 2011 FA Youth Cup winning squad, and is currently on Wolves’ books.
The issue that concerns United fans the most is whether Onana will be replaced. His performances were inconsistent in 2024/25 and ended on a sour note with the Europa League Final.