Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Rangers goalkeeper Robby McCrorie as they search to find a replacement for Dean Henderson.
Erik ten Hag has an issue to solve between the posts, with Henderson in talks to join Nottingham Forest on loan. With David de Gea firmly established as the No1 goalkeeper at Old Trafford, Henderson has grown frustrated with the lack of minutes and wants to leave in the hope that regular football could earn him a place in the England squad for the World Cup.
Lee Grant has retired, leaving Tom Heaton as the only other senior goalkeeper in Ten Hag’s squad at present. As The Mirror reported over the weekend, United have identified Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow and Watford ’s Daniel Bachmann as possible targets for the back-up goalkeeper role.
The Sun now says that McCrorie is also on the club’s shortlist. The 24-year-old only played twice for Rangers last season and is about to enter the final year of his contract with the Scottish side. Jon McLaughlin is set to take over from Allan McGregor next season at Ibrox, leaving McCrorie stuck on the bench.
He is therefore tempted by a move to Old Trafford, where he could learn from De Gea and the experienced Heaton, who himself has attracted interest from Middlesbrough. Despite his lack of game time at Rangers, McCrorie earned a Scotland call-up earlier this month and is highly regarded.
McCrorie came through the Rangers academy and has previously spent time on loan with Berwick Rangers, Greenock Morton, Queen of the South and Livingston. He has been capped throughout the Scotland age groups.
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He is another option to Darlow and Bachmann, who are both in similar situations at their clubs. Darlow, 31, is stuck behind Martin Dubravka in the pecking order and played just eight times for the Magpies in the 2021/22 campaign.
Bachmann, 27, made 12 appearances in the Premier League for Watford last season behind veteran Ben Foster. But he could be forced to leave with Maduka Okoye, who has arrived at Watford for £5million from Sparta Rotterdam, set to be installed as the new No1 in the Championship next season. The Austrian international is under contract until June 2024 at Watford and is reportedly valued at between £2m and £4m.
United have greater priorities in the summer transfer window and are understood to be happy to have Heaton as De Gea’s understudy if no alternative can be found on the market. The 36-year-old arrived on a free transfer last summer after being released by Aston Villa and has only played for the club once so far – in the 1-1 Europa League draw with Young Boys in December.
Young goalkeeper Nathan Bishop has returned from a successful loan at Mansfield Town and will be given a chance to impress Ten Hag in pre-season. However, the 22-year-old is expected to be sent out on loan once again, with plenty of interest in the Football League for his services.
