Latest Man Utd contract development throws Red Devils plan to sign towering 6ft 2in ace into doubt - opinion

Manchester United face a whole host of decisions in the summer when it comes to incomings and outgoings - and one area in particular which could be under the microscope is the goalkeeping department.

Andre Onana, who has been rotated for the last two Premier League games against Brentford and West Ham, has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer after an underwhelming second term at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Turkish international Altay Bayindir has struggled to make a solid impression after conceding 10 times in just three league appearances.

There’s plenty of reports circulating about a move for Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale in the summer to help bolster the goalkeeping department, while there’s also rumours about a potential move for released Preston North End shot-stopper Freddie Woodman to provide depth between the posts as he approaches the final few weeks of his contract at Deepdale.

Freddie Woodman is expected to leave Preston North End on a free

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman is on the lookout for a new club this summer after three solid years at Championship level. He has just a few weeks remaining on his deal at Preston but it was confirmed over the weekend he would be released when his contract ran out.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper, who played just four league matches for the Magpies in the top-flight, was once tipped to become a future England international after making a combined 56 appearances for the Three Lions at various different age groups.

However, he failed to make a name for himself at St James’ Park despite successful loan spells with Crawley, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and most notably Swansea City where he was named in the 2020/21 Championship Team of the Season.

Woodman notably played against the Red Devils in a 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford which marked Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal since returning to the club. He was sharply criticised for his performance in that game, and ultimately signed for Preston in 2022 after struggling for first team minutes.

The Crodyon-born keeper stands at a towering 6ft 2in and has played 108 league matches for Preston but had his season cut short in March due to injury. He’s suggested by Sun Sport’s Alan Nixon to be a potential replacement for Tom Heaton on the back-up front at Old Trafford and would help fill the homegrown quota.

Key development could derail potential Freddie Woodman transfer

Red Devils veteran Heaton is approaching the end of his contract at Old Trafford and at the age of 39 and had previously expected to leave the club in the summer.

However, Mail Sport claims the former Burnley man could be kept on board for another season due to the player’s professional attitude, leadership and his low salary requirements.

This would almost certainly be Heaton’s last contract before hanging up his boots. Overall, he’s only played three times for United across four years but he has kept a clean sheet on each occasion.

However, he’s not featured since a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest in a League Cup semi-final second leg back in 2023. If Heaton does sign a new deal, it makes a move for Woodman this summer highly unlikely.

Read More: Forget Viktor Gyökeres & Liam Delap - Man Utd have 'identified' £43m striker who is 'perfect fit'