BLUNDER keeper Andre Onana is likely to get an Old Trafford lifeline — by default.
Ruben Amorim had told his recruitment staff he was keen on a new No 1 this summer after a string of high-profile clangers by Onana.
Rasmus Hojlund has struggled while Joshua Zirkzee is now injured[/caption]
Yet the Manchester United head coach’s transfer kitty will be determined by departures . . . and without mass exits, Amorim has bigger priorities in other positions.
Heading the list is a top-level striker but he has also targeted a central defender, left-back and at least one more midfielder ahead of replacing 29-year-old Onana.
He had shown interest in Porto keeper Diogo Costa, 25, but could not afford the £63million release clause — leaving the way clear for neighbours City.
Pep Guardiola is very keen, with doubts over Ederson and back-up Stefan Ortega staying at the Etihad beyond this season.
Onana had previously been on the radar of the Saudi Pro League and sources say United would do business at little more than £20m — yet that interest seems to have cooled.
The Cameroon keeper was axed for last Sunday’s trip to Newcastle after two more errors at Lyon in the 2-2 Europa League draw.
But he was back for Thursday night’s quarter-final second leg and, despite conceding four goals, also made a host of impressive stops in United’s crazy 5-4 win.
Onana has let in 99 goals in just 69 Prem games since signing from Inter Milan for an initial £43.8m in July 2023 but wants to prove he is up to the job.
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Unless there are a pile of exits, he is set to get his wish, with Amorim keen to sort other problem areas first . . . starting in attack.
Rasmus Hojlund has been a flop, scoring ONE United goal since December. And although partner Joshua Zirkzee showed flashes, they have been too rare and he is now crocked.
Portuguese gaffer Amorim also feels he is light in midfield and wants to strengthen at the heart of his defence.
And despite Luke Shaw’s return easing worries at left-back, the 29-year-old’s catalogue of injuries in recent seasons means Amorim wants another first-team-ready arrival.
Onana celebrated Man Utd’s sensational comeback win over Lyon[/caption]