Goalkeepers Man United could sign to replace injured Andre Onana

Manchester United’s preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League season have been rocked by Andre Onana hamstring injury, sustained during pre-season training at Carrington, sidelining him for six to eight weeks and casting doubt on his availability for the August 17 opener against Arsenal. Onana, signed for £43.8 million from Inter Milan in 2023, has been a figure of doubt, with nine errors leading to goals since joining, more than any Premier League goalkeeper in that period. With backup Altay Bayindir struggling, notably with a costly mistake in a 4-1 loss to Newcastle, and Tom Heaton, at 38, serving as a third-choice veteran, United face a goalkeeping crisis. Manager Ruben Amorim, prioritizing a striker and winger like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, must now consider a new goalkeeper. This piece explores three potential replacements, focusing on their goalkeeping skills, records, transfer, and wage considerations.

Mike Maignan

Mike Maignan, AC Milan’s 29-year-old French international, is a complete modern goalkeeper, lauded as “incredible” by France coach Didier Deschamps, as reported by Football FanCast. His reflexes, command of the box, and distribution suit Amorim’s possession-based system. Maignan’s 78.9% pass completion and 12.3 forward passes per 90 in 2024/25 outshine Onana’s 75.2% and 10.8, according to The Stats Zone. His proactive positioning and penalty-saving ability, evident in France’s Euro 2024 semifinal run, make him a reliable leader. Unlike Onana’s risk-taking style, Maignan’s composure minimizes errors, though he’s less adventurous.

Maignan played 34 of 38 Serie A matches for Milan, keeping 12 clean sheets and conceding 38 goals. In the Champions League, he kept 3 clean sheets in 8 games, with a 73.1% save percentage. His xGOT differential of +6.2, preventing 6.2 more goals than expected ranks him among Europe’s elite, according to The Athletic.

Maignan’s contract, expiring in June 2026, makes him attainable, with Milan open to a £40 million transfer to avoid losing him for free. His £80,000-per-week wage is below Onana’s £120,000, but United’s FFP constraints, with Onana’s £26.3 million book value requiring a sale above that to avoid a loss, complicate matters. Saudi clubs, interested since Maignan’s Inter days, could outbid United. Critics and fans on social media have hailed maignan as the perfect replacement for Onana if he signs for United.

RELATED STORIES

Why United fans should back Ruben Amorim player overhaul

Andre Onana: Is he really Manchester United’s worst goalkeeper?

Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa’s 32-year-old Argentine World Cup winner, Emiliano Martinez, is a shot-stopping maestro with a commanding presence. His 237 crosses claimed since 2020/21 lead the Premier League, and his penalty shootout heroics, key in Argentina’s Copa America and World Cup triumphs showcase his mental strength. Martinez’s xGOT differential of +5.8 in 2024/25 is solid, though slightly below Maignan’s, according to The Athletic. Less adept at build-up play than Onana (70.1% pass completion vs. Onana’s 75.2%), he excels in traditional goalkeeping, with authoritative positioning. Well before these shortcomings, reports of Martinez to United have been gaining weight.

Martinez started 36 of Villa’s 38 Premier League games, keeping 9 clean sheets and conceding 48 goals, helping Villa finish fifth. In the Champions League, he kept 2 clean sheets in 6 games, with a 71.8% save percentage. His Yashin Trophy win in 2024, his second consecutive, shows his elite status. However, his Villa performances were less consistent than his Argentina heroics.

Villa have not received direct offers for Martínez, but United have contacted his representatives since January 2025. His £120,000-per-week wage matches Onana’s, but his £60 million valuation, strains United’s budget, especially with their worst-ever Premier League finish. Selling Onana above £26.3 million or offloading high earners like Casemiro (£350,000 per week) could fund the move. Fans are increasingly urging United to “pay whatever Villa want” for Martinez.

James Trafford

Burnley’s 22-year-old England U21 international, James Trafford, is a rising star with exceptional shot-stopping ability. His 24 clean sheets in 33 Championship games in 2024/25 highlight his reflexes and composure. Trafford’s 74.5% pass completion is close to Onana’s, but his 10.1 forward passes per 90 are less progressive, according to The Analyst. His clean footwork and pre-shot positioning, compared to Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez, ensure consistency. However, his lack of top-flight experience raises risks for United’s high-pressure environment.

Trafford’s stellar Championship season saw him concede just 9 goals, the fewest in the division, securing Burnley’s promotion. His xGOT differential of +7.1 ranks him among England’s best. A collapsed £16 million move to Newcastle in 2024 suggests his value has risen to £20-25 million, according to Football FanCast. He played no European games, limiting his big-stage exposure.

Trafford’s £35,000-per-week wage at Burnley is a fraction of Onana’s, making him cost-effective. His £20-25 million fee is affordable, but Newcastle’s interest and Burnley’s promotion could drive competition. United’s FFP issues, requiring sales like Rashford (£40 million) or Casemiro, remain a hurdle. Football enthusiasts see Trafford as a “bargain with huge potential,” but his inexperience worries some fans.

RELATED STORIES

Why Manchester United must sign Bryan Mbeumo

Ekitike, Gyokeres, Osimhen transfer saga: United’s endless pursuit for strikers

Strategic and financial implications for United

United’s goalkeeping crisis, worsened by Onana’s injury and Bayindir’s errors, demands action. Onana’s £26.3 million book value means a sale below this would incur an FFP loss. His £120,000-per-week wage, cut 25% due to missing Champions League qualification, shocked him. Maignan offers elite consistency but a high fee; Martinez brings proven shot-stopping but a £60 million price tag; Trafford is a budget-friendly gamble with long-term upside. United’s 15th-place finish and Europa League final loss to Tottenham requires urgent sale to fund transfers. Amorim’s preference to retain Onana, may shift with this injury, especially with Saudi interest in Onana.

Conclusion: Who is the right choice for United?

Manchester United face a pivotal decision with Andre Onana sidelined. Mike Maignan, with his all-around excellence and £40 million fee, is the safest bet to elevate United’s build-up play and stability. Emiliano Martinez, a £60 million World Cup hero, offers immediate impact but less distribution. James Trafford, at £20-25 million, is a high-potential, cost-effective option, though his inexperience is a risk. Football fans on social media like @Utd_Forever7 favour Maignan for his “world-class” pedigree, while @ManUtdMEN sees Trafford as a “smart long-term investment.” With FFP constraints and Onana’s uncertain future, Maignan’s balance of quality and affordability makes him the ideal target to steady United’s ship and restore their goalkeeping legacy.