BREAKING NEWS: “While he might be showing some improvement, his inconsistency poses a significant risk to the club’s progress. I can no longer rely on Onana,” said Manchester United’s new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, signaling a decision to replace the goalkeeper. Reports suggest the club will bring in one of the Bundesliga’s top goalkeepers, costing around £45m, following Onana’s disappointing performance against Bournemouth. This development has left many Manchester United fans disheartened. Despite witnessing Onana’s recent progress, they had hoped he would remain at the club. However, it seems Onana’s tenure at Manchester United has officially reached its conclusion.

Reports suggest Manchester United is exploring the possibility of acquiring Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, a standout performer in Serie A who has also become a regular in the Italian national team. The 29-year-old has established himself as one of the league’s top goalkeepers, catching the attention of clubs beyond Italy.

 

Provedel’s remarkable achievements this season have only added to his growing reputation. He gained international recognition after scoring a critical late goal for Lazio in the Champions League group stage, earning a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid. This 96th-minute equalizer not only salvaged a point but also played a key role in Lazio advancing to the last-16 stage. Provedel’s feat marked just the third time in Champions League history that a goalkeeper scored from open play.

 

This was not Provedel’s first demonstration of his scoring prowess. During his loan spell at Juve Stabia in 2020, he netted a late equalizer against Ascoli. Interestingly, his roots as a striker in Pordenone’s youth team, where he scored 27 goals in the 2008/09 season, have left a lasting impact on his career despite his transition to goalkeeping.

 

Manchester United’s rumored interest in Provedel has sparked speculation about a potential change in their goalkeeping lineup. If signed, Provedel could bring a unique dimension to the role, potentially replacing Andre Onana, known as one of the best passing goalkeepers, with someone celebrated for his rare goal-scoring abilities.

 

However, Lazio’s reported €35 million valuation for Provedel may prove challenging for United to meet during the January transfer window. Despite this obstacle, the club is expected to keep tabs on the player, considering a summer move if circumstances allow.

 

Meanwhile, Onana’s performance at Manchester United has fallen short of expectations. Despite his stellar Champions League campaign with Inter Milan last season, where he excelled as a ball-playing goalkeeper, his time at Old Trafford has been marred by costly mistakes, particularly in high-profile defeats against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich.

 

United’s struggles this season have compounded the pressure, as the team lags behind in the Premier League and has been eliminated from European competitions and the League Cup. These challenges have highlighted the need for reinforcements in key positions, including the goalkeeping department.

 

The pursuit of Provedel reflects United’s broader efforts to address their squad’s shortcomings. As they look ahead to the summer transfer window, the club aims to rebuild and regain its competitive edge across multiple competitions.