Manchester United have been linked with a shock bid for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, with manager Erik ten Hag still undecided about Andre Onana.
The France international was one of the Red Devils’ main targets last summer, but they chose against pursuing him due to the €100 million price tag.
Ten Hag recommended that United purchase Onana from Inter Milan, but Foot Mercato reports that the Dutchman is not convinced.
According to the French newspaper, the 53-year-old strategist likes the profile of Maignan, who might be available for €70 million at the end of the current season.
Next summer, Maignan will enter the final two years of his contract with the Rossoneri. The Serie A outfit are likely to consider his exit if he turns down a renewal.
Maignan’s link to Man Utd has no substance
Like Onana, the 28-year-old is a strong ball-playing goalkeeper. He has performed better this season in terms of long balls and ball recoveries in his own box.
He may contemplate a new challenge in the summer, but given the large outlay on Onana earlier this year, we don’t see United seeking his services.
The Cameroonian has made a few mistakes in goal, but he has played well overall. Onana has made approximately four saves per game with a 76% success rate.
With his distribution from the back, he has outperformed David de Gea and is currently in contention for the Golden Glove with five clean sheets.
Ten Hag was eager to reconcile with Onana following their time together at Ajax, and he has publicly backed him to make amends for his mistakes this season.
The Dutchman is unlikely to move him anytime soon, and the speculation linking Maignan to the club, in our opinion, lacks substance.
His agents are exploiting the reputation of Manchester United to persuade Milan to meet his wage demands. They might also try to entice interest from other major European clubs.
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