Man United have “convinced” Andriy Lunin to “abandon” Real Madrid in favour of Old Trafford move | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly convinced Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin that his future doesn’t lie in Spain and he would be best served by sealing a switch to Old Trafford.

It has been suggested that United could make changes to their goalkeeping department, just 12 months after the recruitment of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir to replace David de Gea and Dean Henderson respectively.

Onana endured a nightmare start to life with the Red Devils and across the just-concluded 2023/24 season, made a number of high-profile mistakes that dearly cost the club, especially in the Champions League before elimination in the group stage.

The Cameroonian seemed to have settled towards the latter stages of the campaign but doubts about his long-term suitability remain.

Meanwhile, Bayindir made just one appearance for United, which came in the fourth round of the FA Cup against Newport County.

Already, there is speculation that the Turkey international could leave and go back to his home country in search of guaranteed first-team minutes. Combine this with the fact that the experienced Tom Heaton is facing an uncertain future at United and it makes sense why signing a new goalkeeper could become a priority.

A shock report covered by The Peoples Person in March relayed that United were interested in Madrid shot-stopper Andriy Lunin.

Lunin started the campaign as Los Blancos’ third-choice option behind Thibaut Courtois and Kepa Arrizabalaga but following Courtois’ injury and Kepa dropping down the pecking order, he found himself as Carlo Ancelotti’s preferred man between the sticks.

Lunin made 31 starts for Madrid in all competitions but considering Courtois played in the Champions League final and is expected to be restored as an undisputed starter from next term, Lunin faces a huge career decision ahead of the summer transfer window.

A new report has claimed that United have “convinced him to abandon Ancelotti” and join their ranks at the Theatre of Dreams.

It’s understood that the Ukrainian will have “no shortage of offers to complete his departure”.

Both United and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have been mentioned as teams that “need a replacement in their respective goals and that could pay close to the €25m (£21m) that Real Madrid would demand to start negotiating for Lunin.”

A swoop for Lunin is likely to depend on what happens with Bayindir. If Bayindir remains at United, it would be hard to imagine the club committing funds towards getting a deal for Lunin over the line.

It’s also unlikely that the Madrid man would accept to join United in yet another back-up role.

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