(Football news) Onana recovered from a difficult start to his Manchester United career to put in a string of impressive performances in the opening weeks of the 2024-25 campaign, but he has made a number of high-profile mistakes of late.
According to multiple reports, Onana ‘was unhappy with life in Manchester’ under former Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag, but the situation is said ‘to have worsened’ since Ruben Amorim’s arrival.
The report claims that Manchester United have begun their search for a new goalkeeper, and Verbruggen has been identified as a genuine target, with the 22-year-old viewed as one of the best young stoppers in European football.
Verbruggen is the number one goalkeeper for the Netherlands, while he has made 44 appearances for Brighton since arriving from Anderlecht in 2023, including 17 outings during the 2024-25 campaign.
Manchester United ‘want Verbruggen as Onana replacement’
Senior figures at Manchester United are said to be aware of Onana’s unhappiness with life at the club and have therefore started the search for a replacement, although any move is unlikely to occur in January.
The Red Devils are thought to value Verbruggen in the region of £30m, but they could face competition for his signature, with Real Madrid said to view him as a potential long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois.
Onana was beaten from a corner during Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day, and his struggles from set pieces have been highlighted during a difficult period for the Red Devils.
Altay Bayindir is the number two goalkeeper at the club, but he also struggled in the recent EFL Cup quarterfinal with Tottenham Hotspur and is unlikely to be introduced despite Onana’s ongoing problems.
Lammens ‘also on Manchester United’s radar’
Manchester United are also believed to be interested in Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who has made 20 appearances for his current side during the 2024-25 campaign, keeping five clean sheets in the process.
The 22-year-old is thought to have attracted the attention of Borussia Dortmund due to his strong form.
Manchester United are believed to have sent scouts to watch Lammens in action, but a January deal is highly unlikely due to the fact that signing a new stopper is not seen as a priority during the winter window.
Funds will be limited next month, but exits would allow the Red Devils to boost their squad, and the likes of Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee are among those being linked with departures.
Also read: Manchester United teenage striker is pushing for the senior team
