Manchester United aims for a 40 million goalkeeper to replace Andre Onana

The 2024/25 season for Manchester United has been far from what was expected. Although they remain alive in the Europa League, the team's performances in the Premier League and other competitions have been disappointing, generating frustration among fans and the club's board. In a bid to improve the squad and address the most criticised weak points, the team from Old Trafford is preparing to make significant moves in the transfer market.

One of the biggest concerns is the goalkeeper position. While Andre Onana has had some standout performances, his errors have been too frequent for his performances to be considered satisfactory, especially given the over 50 million euros paid for him. The lack of consistency in his play has led the Red Devils to question his future at the club.

According to reports from Spain, Manchester United has already identified a potential replacement for Onana: Andriy Lunin, the young goalkeeper from Real Madrid. It has been reported that the English club is willing to make an offer in the region of 40 million euros to acquire the Ukrainian goalkeeper in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Who is Andriy Lunin?

Andriy Lunin is a 25-year-old goalkeeper who joined Real Madrid in 2018 with high expectations. However, his chance to establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper has been limited due to the presence of Thibaut Courtois, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Despite limited first-team opportunities, Lunin has shown, in the few chances he’s had, that he has the ability and talent to become an internationally recognised goalkeeper.

During the 2024/25 season, Lunin has mainly featured in lower-profile competitions such as the Copa del Rey and some group-stage matches in the Champions League. However, his performances in these matches have been solid, and his name has started to be mentioned more frequently as one of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe. With the possibility that Real Madrid may look for a higher-profile replacement for their goalkeeping position, Lunin could be open to making the move to a club where he can enjoy more regular playing time.

Manchester United and the search for a new goalkeeper

The decision to sign a new goalkeeper reflects an urgent need for Manchester United to strengthen their defensive line. While Onana has shown moments of brilliance, his mistakes have been too costly for a team that aims to compete for the biggest titles. Bringing in Lunin would be a long-term investment, as the Ukrainian has great potential and could further develop under the guidance of an experienced manager.

Aside from his shot-stopping abilities, Lunin is known for his excellent aerial presence and has a good distribution game, making him a fitting option for the playing style Erik ten Hag wants to implement at Manchester United. His youth and talent make him an attractive option for the Red Devils, who are seeking a player who could be the future of the club’s goalkeeping position for many years to come.

What does the future hold for Onana?

With the potential arrival of Lunin, Andre Onana’s future at Manchester United seems to be in doubt. Although the Cameroon international has shown moments of high quality, his inconsistency has been a key factor in the club's decision-making. The hefty investment made in Onana means Manchester United is unlikely to rush into making a final decision about his future, but the competition for the starting spot could intensify if the Ukrainian arrives.

The upcoming summer transfer window is set to be crucial for Manchester United, as they look to strengthen their weak points, starting with the goalkeeper position. If the offer for Andriy Lunin is eventually made, Real Madrid will have to make a critical decision regarding the future of the Ukrainian goalkeeper, who could be ready to make the leap to the Premier League.