With Dean Henderson set for Newcastle, Erik ten Hag will be looking to bring in a solid number two.
The challenge of finding a goalkeeper of good quality who will be satisfied playing backup is always difficult, but the name of Manchester United is enough to perk the ears of any shot-stopper. David de Gea will almost certainly retain his place as United’s No.1.
Lee Grant’s contract expires this summer and fellow veteran Tom Heaton has only 12 months left on his deal. Ten Hag may not like the idea of 36-year-old Heaton being the club’s substitute goalkeeper so will likely dip into the market.
READ MORE: Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson closing in on move to Newcastle
Judging by Henderson’s playing time in recent years, whoever comes in must be happy to only play the odd game initially. But Ten Hag will also have one eye on the future, with De Gea turning 32 in November.
The criteria for the United number two spot, therefore, becomes very niche, but United do have some options. MEN Sport takes a look at some of them.
Sam Johnstone
The West Brom goalkeeper was loaned out to seven different clubs after graduating from the United academy before securing a permanent move to the Baggies in 2018. He’s been linked with an Old Trafford return but Tottenham are also interested in the 29-year-old who has three caps for England under his belt.
Illan Meslier
If Leeds don’t escape the drop, then Meslier could look for a move away from Elland Road. At 22, the Frenchman has bags of potential so under the right guidance could become a star of the future, and would most likely be happy plying his trade at a giant club like United as a number two for a few seasons.
David Raya
The Brentford goalkeeper has been very sturdy this season and his performances led to his Spain debut in March. The 26-year-old would undoubtedly strike a bond with countryman De Gea at United which would only be a good thing ahead of passing on the baton down the line.
Joel Drommel
Ten Hag will be very aware of the PSV goalkeeper, who has kept 17 clean sheets this season. Drommel, 25, has been relegated to the bench in recent matches but his quality has been recognised in the Netherlands and he would likely be interested in filling in as United’s backup goalkeeper for now.
Nick Pope
Maybe not ‘one for the future’ but Pope has earned his stripes in the Premier League. The England international has kept Burnley in with a chance of survival this season, but if relegation does occur, United would do far worse in looking at the 30-year-old as a reliable number two.
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