Man Utd eye goalscoring sensation as Onana replacement

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 18 Jan 2024 16:56 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United may have only just splashed out €50 million on a new goalkeeper a few months ago but Andre Onana’s difficult start to life at Old Trafford has led to speculation that Erik ten Hag might be ready to replace him already.

Onana has conceded 47 goals in his 30 games for United this season, with 15 of those coming in six Champions League matches, which saw them crash out at the first hurdle by finishing rock bottom of their group.

Although only one goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets than Onana in the Premier League, the 27-year-old’s polarising performances has led to intense pressure and criticism, with some spectators questioning his chances of becoming a long-term success at the club.

While Ten Hag and United have publicly stood by their goalkeeper, the club have been continuously linked to alternatives in the transfer market and reports in Italy have suggested another name could be in consideration to replace Onana.

A throwaway line in Italian newspaper QuotidianoSportivo has warned Lazio to ‘look out’ for ‘sirens’ on Ivan Provedel, who is seeking improved terms on his contract.

The 29-year-old still has more than three years remaining on his current deal but his apparent dissatisfaction with his current salary has prompted uncertainty, with United allegedly monitoring the situation closely.

Provedel delivering at both ends of the pitch for Lazio

Provedel has established himself as one of the top shot stoppers in Serie A this season, conceding just 27 goals in the same number of games as well as keeping ten clean sheets, leading to his first call up for his country.

However, the Italian thrust himself into the limelight during Lazio’s Champions League campaign after scoring a 95th minute equaliser against Atletico Madrid in September.

Bizarrely, it was not the first time the goalkeeper had found the back of the net in his career, having scored for Serie B side Juve Stabia against Ascoli in 2020.

United were linked to Provedel earlier in the season, with more sources in Italy claiming a summer move was more likely due to Lazio’s pricetag for their number one, reported to be around €35m.