Man Utd now want to sign £20m league winner, big warning for United favourite - opinion
Manchester United are interested in signing one of Botafogo’s best players next year.
The Red Devils had a huge spending spree during the last transfer window, but there has been limited progress in the current campaign.
The club are languishing in the 13th spot in the Premier League table and they face a huge challenge to qualify for the Champions League.
New manager Ruben Amorim is likely to be backed with funds to reinforce the squad and a new goalkeeper could be prioritised.
As per journalist Alan Nixon, United are keeping tabs on Botafogo’s John Victor as they seek a proper alternative to Andre Onana in goal.
Onana can’t take his place for granted
Onana had a superb start to the campaign with several exceptional saves for the Red Devils.
He was also brilliant in Amorim’s first game in-charge against Ipswich Town. Without Onana’s interventions, United would not have picked up a point at Portman Road.
Despite this, the Cameroon international has some room for improvement. His high-profile error allowed Morgan Gibbs-White to score in the 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest.
Onana should have also done better to prevent Chris Wood’s header. He made another blunder against Viktoria Plzen, but Rasmus Hojlund saved his blushes, scoring a match-winning brace.
Altay Bayindir has been unable to displace Onana between the sticks, but Victor could provide genuine competition. The 28-year-old recently won the Serie A and Copa Libertadores titles with Botafogo.
The Brazilian star had a pass completion rate of 77 percent with five long balls per game. He had a save percentage of 79 percent, much higher than Onana’s average of 68 percent this campaign.
Victor is an all-round goalkeeper with no weaknesses. He also possesses a strong aerial presence at 197cms.
He is valued at £20 million by Botafogo. United could be tempted to sign if they can secure him for a lesser fee up front.
The Red Devils could make an approach in January, considering Bayindir has his sights on leaving the club.
Stats from Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .