Three candidates emerge as potential replacements for Onana at MU

Manchester United is racing to find a replacement for Onana, with Emiliano Martinez, Senne Lammens, and David de Gea considered the leading contenders.

Manchester United is entering a crucial stage of the summer transfer window, having confirmed that goalkeeper Andre Onana will not be part of their squad plans for the 2025/26 season. This decision requires the club’s management and coach Ruben Amorim to swiftly identify a suitable replacement to maintain stability in goal—a position often regarded as the backbone of any Premier League title challenge.

According to information from The Sun, three names have emerged as top candidates: Emiliano Martinez, Senne Lammens, and David de Gea. These three options each offer different qualities, ranging from experience and composure to long-term potential.

Among them, Emiliano Martinez is considered the “safest” choice. The World Cup winner with Argentina not only brings extensive Premier League experience but also strong leadership qualities. Martinez’s reliability and ability to perform in high-stakes matches could give MU a much-needed source of confidence—something the club has lacked since David de Gea’s departure two seasons ago.

On the other hand, Senne Lammens represents an investment for the future. The young Belgian goalkeeper, currently at Royal Antwerp, is highly rated for his reach, sharp reflexes, and significant development potential. While he lacks experience at the top level, Lammens could be a strategic signing that aligns with coach Amorim’s vision for building a long-term squad.

The final candidate, David de Gea, offers familiarity and continuity. After leaving Old Trafford, the Spanish goalkeeper has regained consistent form with Fiorentina. With over a decade at MU, De Gea understands the club’s environment, pressures, and expectations. Bringing him back could provide short-term stability and help maintain balance in the dressing room during this transitional phase.

For Manchester United, choosing a new first-choice goalkeeper goes beyond technical ability. Coach Ruben Amorim emphasizes the need for a leader who can sustain fighting spirit and adapt to the modern playing style he is implementing. The goalkeeper’s role, therefore, is not just about shot-stopping but also about initiating play in a high-pressing, possession-based system.

Sources indicate that MU has begun talks with the representatives of all three goalkeepers. The Red Devils hope to finalize their choice before the transfer window closes to ensure the best possible preparations for the new season. Any delay could make the always-challenging Premier League start even more difficult for the team.

Whether the choice falls on Martinez, Lammens, or De Gea, MU’s final decision will be pivotal for the 2025/26 season. Securing the right goalkeeper could lay a solid foundation for a renewed title challenge, but a misstep might see the club slip back into the instability witnessed last season.