Manchester United's Goalkeeping Overhaul: Angus Gunn Targeted
Manchester United are preparing to rip up their goalkeeping department and start again, with Scotland international Angus Gunn now high on their list of targets.
Recruitment staff at Old Trafford have been tracking the experienced stopper as part of a broader overhaul that could see both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir moved on in the current window. Gunn’s stock has risen after his recent run of games for Scotland in World Cup fixtures against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil, and his name has pushed its way towards the top of United’s shortlist.
There is another layer to the interest. Gunn worked under Jason Wilcox during their time together at Manchester City’s academy, and that long-standing connection with United’s current director of football is understood to be a significant factor. United want reliability and personality in goal. Wilcox knows exactly what Gunn brings.
Onana told he can go, Bayindir heading for exit
The shake-up is not subtle. United have made a firm decision to cash in on Onana, just one year after his high-profile arrival from Inter. The Cameroonian has been explicitly informed that the club intend to sell him in this window.
For now, though, the clock is still ticking in United’s favour. If no agreement is in place, Onana is expected back at Carrington for the start of early pre-season in two weeks’ time. He could even feature in friendlies against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18 and Rosenborg on July 24 if his transfer drags on.
Bayindir, meanwhile, is heading towards the door with far less noise. The Turkish goalkeeper is widely expected to return to his homeland, with a prospective move to Besiktas on the table. He will come back from an extended three-week post-World Cup break, granted after Turkey’s early elimination by Australia and Paraguay, before finalising his next step.
Two senior goalkeepers out. At least one experienced arrival in. The hierarchy is being torn up.
Lammens the new No 1 – but United want pressure
Amid all this upheaval, one position is clear: Senne Lammens has seized the No 1 shirt.
The young Belgian has established himself as United’s first choice since his debut against Sunderland last October, and internally there is strong belief in his long-term potential. He is not being replaced. He is being reinforced.
Next season’s return to elite Champions League football changes the equation. United expect a heavier, more unforgiving schedule and do not want to lean solely on a relatively inexperienced goalkeeper. The recruitment team are pushing for what they regard as “reliable, experienced competition” – someone who can play, not just warm the bench.
Gunn fits that profile. So does Karl Darlow, the Leeds United veteran who has also been monitored. Both offer know-how, calm under pressure and an acceptance of the demands that come with life at a club of United’s scale.
Vitek wants more than a seat on the bench
The reshuffle also affects the club’s younger keepers. Radek Vitek is due to return from loan, but he has made it clear he has no interest in coming back simply to make up the numbers.
Vitek wants minutes, not cameos. United want depth they can trust. Those two positions do not naturally align, and his stance adds another layer of complexity to a department already in flux.
So United keep looking. For the right experience. For the right character. For someone who can push Lammens without blocking his path.
Countdown to Hull
Whatever shape the final goalkeeping group takes, the countdown has already started.
Pre-season will offer clues. Onana could still be in goal in Helsinki and Trondheim while his future is thrashed out behind the scenes. Gunn, Darlow or another target could be edging closer in the background. Bayindir will be resolving his next move after his extended break.
There is no gentle easing-in period once the talking stops. United open their Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Hull City on August 22.
By then, the debate will be over. Someone will stand in goal and own that shirt. The only question is: which face will be staring back from the penalty spot when the season kicks off?
