Erik ten Hag is reportedly unconvinced by Manchester United’s recent No.1 acquisition, Andre Onana, and is already on the lookout for a potential replacement.
The goalkeeper was sought in the summer transfer window to succeed David de Gea between the sticks, who was released upon the expiration of his contract in July following 12 years at Old Trafford. Onana signed on a £47.2 million deal from Inter Milan, though it was his experience at Ajax – where he played under Ten Hag – that led the Dutchman to push for his arrival.
It’s been a tumultuous start to life in M16 for Onana since then; one crucial penalty save and numerous pivotal stops, but an already large catalogue of costly mistakes and errors. More recently, his performance in United’s 3-3 Champions League draw with Galatasaray saw him on the end of heavy criticism, with some claiming he’d cost the team their progression in the competition.
Alas, outlet Footmercato suggests United are among a host of European clubs eyeing up a move for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. Their report, written by Santi Aouna, claims that Ten Hag is ‘not convinced’ by his current shot-stopper.
Maignan’s current situation
Maignan, 28, is contracted to the Serie A outfit until 2026 but is actively pushing for a significant pay rise that would see him earn a wage in line with other world-class ‘keepers.
He became Hugo Lloris’ successor for France following the veteran’s international retirement after the 2022 World Cup, and oversaw a particularly remarkable season with Milan across their Scudetto-winning campaign in 2021/2022, keeping 17 clean sheets in 32 matches while conceding just 21 goals.
Shot-stopper, is he? Oh, OK.