Manchester United are tracking goalkeeper Mike Maignan after a clear directive from Ruben Amorim, one which suggests a conflict the head coach and the recruitment department at Old Trafford.
A More Experienced Number One
Amorim is believed to be pushing for a “more experienced number one” to be added to his squad, just three weeks after the Red Devils signed Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The highly-rated Belgian arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in a deal worth an initial £18.1 million, which eventually led to Andre Onana’s exit on a season-long loan to Trabzonspor.
This left Amorim with Lammens and Altay Bayindir as his two senior goalkeepers, with third-choice Tom Heaton serving more of a leadership and coaching role in the dressing room than an actual option on the pitch.
The Portuguese coach has favoured Bayindir so far this season with the Turkey international starting all five of United’s league matches. The 27-year-old shot stopper has not impressed in goal, however, making a number of mistakes and casting a shaky presence with each performance.
United fans are desperate for Lammens to be handed the starting berth – but Amorim remains reluctant to throw the 23-year-old into the starting eleven with no experience in English football.
This has seemingly led the former Sporting manager to push for another goalkeeper with a more proven track record to arrive at Old Trafford.
United were interested Aston Villa and Argentina number one Emiliano Martinez in the summer, with Amorim reported to have personally pushed for the 32-year-old’s signing, but eventually settled on Lammens, who was a long-term target identified by the recruitment department after glowing reports from scouts.
But this drive for a more experienced goalkeeper suggests Amorim is unhappy with that decision – and United’s targeting of Maignan indicates INEOS are willing to back their head coach.
A Bargain Deal for a World-Class Star
A report by talkSPORT reveals the Red Devils are “keeping tabs” on the AC Milan goalkeeper who is an “appealing option” due to his contract status at the San Siro.
Maignan’s deal with the Rossoneri expires next summer, meaning the France international is free to open negotiations with clubs over a free transfer from January.
Premier League rival Chelsea are also interested in the 30-year-old star – still a young age in goalkeeping years – after a failed pursuit over the summer.
This means INEOS will need to act quickly and decisively to convince Maignan the next chapter of his career should come at the Theatre of Dreams where his new coach will welcome his experience with open arms.
Featured image Maurizio Lagana via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
