Man United 'watching' £64m star to potentially replace Old Trafford figure name-checked by Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United are broadening their search for new recruits this summer as the club approaches a significant period of change. The Red Devils are expected to oversee an overhaul of players following a tricky 2024/25 season.

United’s trophy hopes were kept alive this week after a sensational comeback performance against Lyon in the Europa League. Extra time magic at Old Trafford secured their place in the semi-final but they still have a lot of ground to make up in the Premier League.

There are several areas of concern at United right now, from the attack through to the goalkeeper options. Andre Onana is a player who has recently been name-checked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe while discussing players he has ‘inherited’ following his investment in the club.

There have been contrasting reports surrounding Onana’s position at the club recently, especially as United are on the market for a new player between the sticks.

Man United have eyes on new goalkeeper

According to Portuguese outlet Record (via TEAMtalk), United sent a scout to watch FC Porto goalkeeper and captain Diogo Costa during their match against Famalicao on Friday. The information claims that United are ‘one of the leading contenders’ to sign the 25-year-old.

Costa is currently the Portugal national team No.1 and his contract with Porto runs until 2027. The report claims that there is a release clause in place worth at least £64 million, which will last until the end of his current terms.

Signing a first choice international and club captain would be a statement move from United and it’s unlikely such a player would want to play second string. This suggests Onana will either be sold on or face competition for his spot.

What did Jim Ratcliffe say about Andre Onana?

During an interview with BBC Sport that divided many fans, Ratcliffe name-checked a number of first team players as he talked about the current squad and those they have ‘inherited’. He also alluded that he felt some are ‘overpaid’, which may result in a long list of departures once the season ends.

“If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn't buy, we're buying Antony, we're buying Casemiro, we're buying Onana, we're buying Hojlund, we're buying Sancho. These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we've inherited those things and have to sort that out.

“For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we're paying £17m to buy him in the summer. Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.

“But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time. We've got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future. There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer. We definitely need Bruno [Fernandes], he's a fantastic footballer.”

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