United View: Who will be United’s number one next season?

Manchester United recently agreed a £55 million + £5 million in add-ons for Chelsea’s Mason Mount and thus attention has now turned to the vacant goalkeeper position.

David De Gea’s contract at the club expired last Friday, making him a free agent as things stand. Although it’s unclear whether De Gea will remain at Old Trafford next season after the framework for a potential new contract was changed. Leaving the club and keeper at an impasse.

The Spaniard, who won last season’s Golden Glove award, got married to Spanish singer Edurne last weekend. Therefore, no talks resumed over De Gea’s future. But it’s rumoured this week could be decisive for De Gea, who has been United’s number one for the past 12 years.

Inter Milan’s Andre Onana is being explored as an option and the club's CEO Beppe Marotta confirmed United’s interest in signing the Cameroonian goalkeeper.

Erik Ten Hag knows Onana well from their time together at Ajax and has been at Inter since 2022, helping them win the Coppa Italia and reach the Champions League Final.

But why are United reportedly looking to splash €50 million on him? In short, he's a decent shot-stopper but is excellent with his feet. Something that could help take Ten Hag’s United to the next level.

Onana kept nine clean sheets for Inter last season. Not as impressive as De Gea’s 17 clean sheets but with the ball at his feet, Onana is levels above De Gea. Averaging 43 touches per game compared to De Gea’s 33 touches per game.

Against Manchester City in the Champions League final, Onana had 55 touches of the ball, 15 of which were outside the area. And having a goalkeeper like this disrupts an opposition's front press. Pulling players out of position and opening up space for a pass.

He also has great passing ability and composure on the ball. This allows Onana to break lines and find teammates higher up the pitch to start an attack. United could then commit more bodies forward and impose more pressure on the opposition.

This is absent from David De Gea’s game but in his defence, he is more of a traditional goalkeeper and was never expected to be confident on the ball at United until the arrival of Ten Hag.

Because of this Ten Hag has had to adjust his footballing philosophy to suit his current players but with a keeper like Onana, the manager will be able to implement his Ajax style even further at Old Trafford.

Signing Onana could be transformative for United and significantly change the way they play. But with a restricted budget it’s uncertain whether United will make a move for Onana and may need to move on players in order to raise funds.

Another United goalkeeper who could also depart Old Trafford is Dean Henderson. He spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Nottingham Forrest and is rumoured with a permanent move, but nothing has yet to materialise.

United have also contacted Feyenoord for Justin Bijlow who could be a cheaper alternative to Onana, however, the Dutch champions are reluctant to sell. Again, he would likely suit Ten Hag’s style of play as he is also comfortable with the ball at his feet.

It’s still unsure who will be United’s goalkeeper next season, but considering alternatives to De Gea are being explored. It at least suggests Ten Hag is looking to evolve the role at Old Trafford.

And if this is the end for David De Gea at Manchester United, what a servant he has been. A four-time player of the season who at times single-handedly kept United competitive, whilst defying logic with sensational saves. Gracias David.