MANCHESTER UNITED are “unhappy” with David De Gea’s form and are lining up Andre Onana as his replacement.
The Spaniard, 29, has made three errors leading to goals this season and appears to be struggling for confidence.
Manchester United are looking at Andre Onana to replace out-of-form David De Gea” width=”960″ height=”640″ class=”size-thesun-article-image wp-image-11588756″ />
Only Newcastle stopper Martin Dubravka has made more in the Premier League than De Gea, whose latest blunder came against Everton on March 1.
With just three minutes on the clock, he dawdled on a back-pass for far too long and once he eventually got his clearance away, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had pressed and the ball ricocheted off the English striker into the back of the net.
Now according to Duncan Castles on The Transfer Window podcast, United are growing frustrated with their No1.
That is despite the fact he signed a whopping £375,000-a-week, four-year contract extension at Old Trafford in September.
There are suggestions Manchester United would even be opening to selling the former Atletico Madrid man if a reasonable offer comes in, with Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid all linked with moves.
And if they do let De Gea go, the Red Devils could turn to Ajax stopper Onana.
The Cameroon international was the subject of interest from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last summer – there were reports of a £35million bid being rejected – after helping his side reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona, the club from whom Ajax signed Onana, are all looking at the 24-year-old ‘keeper as well, with Frank Lampard still thought to be considering axing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
But United legend and Ajax general director Edwin van der Sar warned any interested parties the stopper will not be available on the cheap.
He told Reuters: “In January last year, people said we were going to lose seven or eight players but we lost only two key members.
“The big clubs such as Bayern Munich have said the benchmark fee will go down in the next few transfer windows. But it’s easier for them to say because they are the buyers.
“Last year, we made verbal agreements with Onana, Tagliafico, Van de Beek to stay another season and then we look to help each other and find the next step in their careers. Nothing has changed.
“There won’t be a 50 per cent discount. The clubs can forget about that.”
However, United may well already have the long-term replacement for De Gea at the club already.
Dean Henderson has earned plenty of plaudits during his two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, helping them to promotion back into the Premier League and now pushing for a European place.
And he bossing the current United No1 across almost every significant stat this season.
The England Under-21 international has conceded fewer goals at a better minutes-per-goal ratio, kept more clean sheets and boasts a better save percentage.
He has made fewer errors leading to goals with just one – his clanger against Liverpool – compared to the three from De Gea.
Henderson revealed earlier this year that his dream is to play “500 times” for United after joining the academy aged 14 while reports suggest he will only return to his parent club to be No1.
Blades boss Chris Wilder echoed his ambitions when speaking to Sky Sports during the lockdown.
He said: “I spoke to Dean, he wants to win 50 caps and play for Manchester United and he has to overcome disappointments.”
On becoming Gareth Southgate’s first-choice stopper, Wilder added: “100 per cent. He is pushing now, he’s a young boy and we talk about mistakes but he gets over them.
“He has got a mental strength to play in goal with his a hugely difficult position and a brilliant attitude and ability. I am sure he will be pushing and gaining that England shirt he is desperate to get.”
