Manchester United are back in Premier League action on Sunday but much of the conversation in the lead-up to their trip to Newcastle has surrounded Andre Onana. Goalkeeper Onana had a night to forget against Lyon on Thursday, and there has been talk about Ruben Amorim dropping him to the bench.
In the longer-term, Amorim and United’s transfer chiefs may decide a new starting keeper is needed. Altay Bayindir has already been linked with a summer departure, and the Red Devils may have some money to spend come the summer.
How much money, exactly may depend on United’s progress in Europe. Their only realistic hope of European qualification would require them to win the Europa League this term, and their match against Lyon is finely balanced at 2-2 after the first leg in France.
A number of other senior stars have been sent out on loan this season and could find themselves leaving permanently in the summer. Marcus Rashford and Antony are both likely to be the subject of interest after impressing for Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively, but it remains to be seen whether any bids match United’s valuation.
Transfer talk is the main area of discussion as United prepare to take on a Newcastle side who beat them at Old Trafford in December. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest lines from around Old Trafford/
With Altay Bayindir available again after injury, the Turkish international could get some game time ahead of Andre Onana between now and May. Beyond then, though United may decide to dip into the transfer market for a new keeper.
Onana has been a near ever-present since joining from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023. However, he is some way off the years of consistency delivered by predecessor David de Gea.
A number of opportunities have presented themselves, some from within English football and some plying their trade elsewhere. We’ve looked at some of the options if United do decide to look for someone new.
Como manager Cesc Fabregas has warned Manchester United off moving for Assane Diao. The Senegalese winger, 19, has been flying for the Italian club since joining from Real Betis in January.
Diao has scored six Serie A goals in just 13 appearances, including a winner against high-flying Napoli. He also made his senior Senegal debut in March, having previously played youth football for Spain.
“We are trying to go for young, talented players who were not playing: they do well here and obviously their value increases,” Fabregas said. “There is no mentality of speculating and selling, they come here to grow and improve the team. Then obviously, Manchester can come and ask for Diao by offering €40million, but it is not a given that he will leave.”
Ruben Amorim’s summer plans could see them splash out north of £90million. That’s how much it’s likely to set them back if they want to land both Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha.
Delap is understood to be available if Ipswich are relegated, and Kieran McKenna’s side need a minor miracle to survive. The Athletic reports that United are also after Cunha, whose new contract at Wolves includes a release clause of around £62.5m.
Both strikers have hit double figures for Premier League goals this term despite battling relegation, with Cunha on 13 and Delap on 12. United”s two recognised strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have just three each.
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