Manchester United are reportedly considering replacing Andre Onana with Real Sociedad star Alex Remiro. Old Trafford chiefs are believed to be considering a change in goal only a year after acquiring Onana from Inter Milan in a £43million transfer.
Onana, a signing targeted by Erik ten Hag, has conceded a staggering 55 goals in 35 Premier League appearances. The 28-year-old was widely criticised following United’s 4-0 defeat by Crystal Palace, and he was considered at fault for at least two goals.
He allowed Michael Olise’s shot to bobble into the bottom corner, although Casemiro was largely at fault having failed to stop the winger bearing down on the penalty area. Olise’s second-half strike then bizarrely went in the middle of the goal.
Spanish publication Marca claim that United believe Onana’s performances have been ‘far from what was expected’. The report adds that the Cameroon international will be replaced in the summer, with Spanish goalkeeper Remiro high on the club’s agenda.
Remiro kept a club-record 23 clean sheets last season and is closing in on that figure again, keeping 20 so far this term. The 29-year-old reportedly has a £60m (€70m) release clause, which could deter clubs from making an approach.
United would reportedly attempt to negotiate down that figure if they try to sign Remiro in the summer. But La Real are unlikely to budge on their asking price, with the star’s clean sheet record and recent inclusion in Spain squads justifying the eye-watering fee.
Minority owners INEOS – spearheaded by CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe – are expected to oversee huge changes at Old Trafford over the summer. Thirteen Premier League defeats is United’s worst record in the division and has seen them fail to qualify for the Champions League.
With United eighth in the top-flight, qualification for the Europa League may even be out of the question. Beating Manchester City in the FA Cup could be the Red Devils’ only chance of entering the second-rate European competition, especially with a tough trio of league matches remaining.
Ten Hag’s side face Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton before the Premier League season comes to an end on May 19. They have won just two of their last 10 league games, an appalling record given the money spent on a rejuvenation last summer.
INEOS’s changes may even involve the coaching personnel. Ten Hag is unlikely to have impressed given the club’s recent form, but top Premier League clubs are finding that there is a dearth of elite-level coaches available this summer.
