Revealed: Man Utd's goalkeeper shortlist

James Shearman

Updated: 12 Aug 2022 17:20 BST
3 min read

Manchester United have increased their budget for a second-choice goalkeeper, as a replacement for Nottingham Forest loanee Dean Henderson.

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With Henderson spending the season away from Old Trafford, and Lee Grant retiring from football, United's goalkeeping options were down to just David de Gea and Tom Heaton.

And new manager Erik ten Hag has decided that 36-year-old Heaton is not to be trusted as the number two.

Instead, the Dutch boss is insisting on a like-for-like replacement for Henderson, according to The Athletic.

The United hierarchy are reportedly accepting of Ten Hag's demands, raising the budget for a new goalkeeper from £1 million to £7m.

This should allow the Red Devils to acquire a higher level player - ideally one that can even compete with De Gea.

Who are Man Utd's goalkeeper targets?

Manchester United have intensified their search for a new goalkeeper, deciding on a rival club's player as their number one target.

Leeds United's Illian Meslier is Ten Hag's first-choice Henderson replacement, though he would cost significantly more than the £7m he has been given to work with.

Given Meslier is Leeds' starting goalkeeper, and at 22 years of age, it would likely cost up to £40m to pry him away from Elland Road.

The Frenchman would be brought in as the long-term successor to De Gea, whose contract is up in 2023, but Ten Hag won't be given the funds to complete a deal this summer.

🗞 Erik ten Hag would like a goalkeeper that can genuinely challenge De Gea and, if one becomes available, the sanctioned funds of £7m could go higher. United’s initial plan was to pay around £35k/week for a new goalkeeper, but the salary cap is now higher. [@TheAthleticUK]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) August 12, 2022

For now, the United manager will have to settle for an option further down his transfer wishlist.

Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow are both genuine options, after Eddie Howe's men completed the signing of Nick Pope from Burnley earlier in this window.

Meanwhile, Southampton's Alex McCarthy would provide United with another decent alternative.

However, the club could look outside of the Premier League, as their scouts have been looking at goalkeepers throughout Europe.

As is often the case, better value can be found in other leagues, evidenced by Leeds' £5m signing of Meslier from Ligue 1 side Lorient two summers ago.