LONDON – Manchester United are close to signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to widespread reports, while Harry Maguire announced on Sunday that he was stripped of the club captaincy.
The Cameroonian custodian has been manager Erik ten Hag’s first choice to replace David de Gea in goal, following the Spaniard’s exit last week after the expiry of his contract.
The 27-year-old had previously worked with ten Hag when they were both at Ajax Amsterdam.
The Guardian reported that he is “is close to travelling for his medical”, while The Athletic said personal terms have been agreed. The transfer fee is a reported €50 million (S$74.3 million) plus €5 million in add-ons and Onana is expected to sign a five-year contract.
Sky Sports added that the Red Devils are “hopeful a full agreement can be reached in time for Onana to play some part in the pre-season tour of the US, which runs until July 31”.
Sky Sports, among others, also reported on Monday that the Red Devils’ top scorer last season, Marcus Rashford, is set to sign a new five-year contract.
The Athletic added that the 25-year-old, who scored 30 goals in 56 games across all competitions for United and four in seven internationals for England last term, had turned down more lucrative offers from clubs in England and Europe.
Meanwhile, Maguire announced on Sunday he is no longer captain of United following talks with ten Hag, with widespread reports in the British press suggesting he is considering his options.
Reports earlier in July suggested ten Hag was set to remove the England international from the role following Maguire’s limited appearances last season.
The centre-back made just eight Premier League starts, sparking speculation over his future with the English giants.
But what is now certain is he will no longer be the skipper at Old Trafford, with Maguire writing on Twitter: “After discussions with the manager today, he has informed me he is changing captain.
“He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.”
Former United skipper Gary Neville praised Maguire’s reaction to the news, calling it an “amazing response” on Instagram.
Bruno Fernandes was most frequently named captain in Maguire’s absence last season and the Portugal midfielder is the favourite to be given the role on a full-time basis.
The 30-year-old Maguire has made over 170 appearances for United since being signed from Leicester City for £80 million (S$138.4 million) in 2019.
But the past two seasons have seen him become the butt of social media jokes following some high-profile errors on United duty, although he has remained an England regular under manager Gareth Southgate.
With the arrival of Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez having also restricted his first-team opportunities at Old Trafford last season, Maguire has been linked recently with a move.
The British media have reported that Premier League rivals West Ham United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are potential suitors. REUTERS
