After the Europa League Final defeat, Manchester United are determined to finally turn their fortunes around in the coming season. They have been quite active in the summer transfer window, with investment being granted to help Ruben Amorim implement his style. However, an injury to Andre Onana has thrown a spanner into the works, as they decide whether to dip into the market for a replacement.
Manchester United Suffer Andre Onana Injury as Red Devils Consider Goalkeeper Transfer
Ruben Amorim ‘Weighs Up’ Transfer
As United’s players returned to training at Carrington in the past week, Onana suffered a hamstring injury ruling him out of their pre-season tour in the United States. They face fellow Premier League outfits in Bournemouth, Everton, and West Ham in the US Summer Series.
Read More: Everton and Nottingham Forest Both ‘Call to Open Discussions’ in Race for Player With High Demands
According to Mike McGrath, of The Telegraph, “early assessment” has led to fears of a six to eight week period in which the Cameroonian would be out of action. This would be cutting it fine with the Red Devils opening their season against Arsenal on August 17; the injury has been described as a “massive blow”. United are clearly worried, as they cannot afford another bad start to a season. Manager Amorim is “now weighing up” a dip into the goalkeeper market, with their current back-ups being Altay Bayındır, Tom Heaton, and Radek Vítek.
Who Could Manchester United Sign as Their New Goalkeeper?
McGrath discusses the possibility of a move for Emiliano Martinez, whom United have some interest in, though there is currently a “huge difference in valuation” between them and Aston Villa. The journalist notes interest from Saudi clubs as well.
However, as much as some United fans have been crying out for a new number one, this may not be the solution. Before Onana’s injury, the club were not intending to spend a large sum on a new starting shotstopper. Given that the 29-year-old will likely miss three or four matches at the most, the hierarchy should not let this injury completely change their summer plans.
Read More: Another Chelsea Starter Could Be Set to Leave After Noni Madueke: ‘Premier League Clubs Keen’
Whether the Red Devils should replace Onana or not is irrelevant: they have already spent £62 million on Matheus Cunha, they intend to spend a similar fee on Bryan Mbeumo, and they appear to want to sign another striker, having held interest (with little success) in Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike.
To drastically abandon their previous strategies over a short-term injury would be foolish. It would be far more sensible to sign a competent back-up goalkeeper who can stand in for the first few matches, and (if they are young enough) potentially succeed Onana in the long-term.
