Manchester United have reportedly started talks to bring in a new goalkeeper to replace Andre Onana after his blunder against Lyon.
Onana made two costly mistakes as United drew 2-2 with Lyon at the Groupama Stadium in the Europa League on Thursday. First, he failed to save Thiago Almada’s free-kick in the first half, before he blundered in injury time and gave Rayan Cherki the opportunity to score the dramatic equaliser.
Read: BBC praises exotic Bodø/Glimt – “volunteers had to shovel away the snow, but were rewarded”
Cherki added salt to his wounds by singling out Onana – the other Lyon player to mock him after Nemanja Matić’s pre-match statements.
Onana, who cost United £47 million in the summer of 2023, has largely disappointed since his arrival. There has been speculation that he could be replaced by Rúben Amorim this summer.
According to the Italian media La Gazzetta dello Sport, United have now started the work of finding a new goalkeeper. The club is keeping a close eye on Brighton’s Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a potential replacement.
Manchester United have already made contact with Brighton to discuss a possible transfer.
Read on F7: One of the world’s best coaches was so wrong about Martin Ødegaard!
Verbruggen, who is under contract until 2028, could cost upwards of £60 million – Brighton themselves paid £17 million for him in 2023.
The 22-year-old Dutchman has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich, who are also looking for a new goalkeeper, as well as AC Milan.
He has made 50 Premier League appearances for Brighton, including 29 this season.
Onana has faced strong criticism for his performances in the United shirt, and the match against Lyon led to further reactions.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes opined that the Cameroonian goalkeeper “hasn’t been quite up to scratch”.
When asked if United should replace Onana this summer, Scholes replied:
“Yes, it is something they should consider. But they also have to look at the budget. Can they avoid spending so much money on a new goalkeeper?
“He hasn’t been good enough, but it depends on the economy and what Amorim has to spend.
Scholes added:
“We have seen this goalkeeper perform well at Inter Milan as well. But I don’t think his move has been good enough, and that was one of the reasons why he was brought in.
“But can they get away with not spending another 40 million on a new goalkeeper?” I don’t know. Amorim has a lot of problems to solve.
