Man Utd miss out on £5m target as Ten Hag is forced to search elsewhere after rejection
Manchester United have missed out on a deal for Urawa Reds goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as Erik ten Hag continues to search for a backup goalkeeper.
The Red Devils have already added Andre Onana to their goalkeeping ranks, but they are keen to land a new backup goalkeeper.
With Dean Henderson expected to complete a permanent move to Nottingham Forest, Man Utd could be left light in the goalkeeping department.
Earlier this month Man Utd declared their interest in Japanese international Suzuki, with a £5m bid being rumoured.
The idea was to bring Suzuki in as a backup goalkeeper to Onana, but it appears as if United have been unsuccessful in their pursuit.
According to the Japanese outlet Sponichi, the goalkeeper has turned down the chance to join Man Utd in favour of staying in Japan.
The report claims that Suzuki doesn’t want to play the role of a backup goalkeeper as he hopes to feature in the Paris Olympics next year.
Belgian club Sint-Truiden also made an offer for the goalkeeper, but it appears as if he will be staying put for the time being.
Man Utd will be forced to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new goalkeeping target for the backup role.
In the meantime, Ten Hag can rely upon Tom Heaton to be a reliable backup goalkeeper as they search for a younger alternative.
Onana will be United’s new number one, although not everyone is convinced by the incoming goalkeeper. Former United star Dwight Yorke doesn’t think they should have got rid of David De Gea.
“I’ve said before that Man Utd need to be careful what they wish for with losing De Gea. For all the good De Gea has done for Man Utd, the way his career ended was really bad,” Yorke told FootballTransfers.
“I hope this doesn’t come back to haunt the club now they’ve bought Onana. Be careful what you wish for. In my opinion, Onana is not as good as De Gea and people need to watch him very carefully.
“I’ve seen Onana before, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish with how fast the game is and how often you are pressured. Onana tries to be an outfield player rather than a goalkeeper sometimes.
“I will be watching this guy very closely, and the people who have criticised De Gea and wanted him to leave will probably be the ones who will be calling him to come back. I’m hoping that doesn’t happen.”
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