Manchester United face a goalkeeper dilemma at the moment. Not only have they lost David de Gea as he saw out his contract, they will also inevitably lose Dean Henderson and there are talks of Nathan Bishop being sold too. That’s three goalkeepers out for Erik ten Hag.
Of course, the stress has been somewhat alleviated by the signing of a player Ten Hag knows well, Andre Onana. However, the Cameroonian shot-stopper and ball-playing keeper needs backup, on the off-chance he becomes injured or suspended.
Thankfully, this is an area of concern to Ten Hag. While his next transfer move does seem to be signing an out-and-out striker, his actions in the transfer window suggest he also seeks a backup goalkeeper.
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki of Urawa Red Diamonds rejects Manchester United
According to Japanese source Sponichi, Manchester United have faced a rejection in their pursuit for a back-up goalkeeper. According to the source, Urawa Red Diamonds and Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has turned down a move to Old Trafford. This is likely because he is aware he will play second-fiddle for some time.
Manchester United have infinitely improved this summer — Erik ten Hag has raised our technical floor to the ceiling.
— The Tactical Side (@thetacticalside) July 24, 2023
— André Onana: technically exceptional, solves our first-phase issues, comfortable in all game states (rest defence, transitions, possession), solves all of our… pic.twitter.com/oNbve0IClV
Ideally, Erik ten Hag should look to sign a goalkeeper who is young and willing to play rotational cup games for a season or two. Of course, he would like a goalkeeper is ready and willing to challenge Onana, but goalkeepers in this calibre are not likely to favour a drop in first-team football, even given the chance of playing in the Champions League.