Andre Onana’s days as Manchester United’s No. 1 could be numbered. The Cameroonian, once hailed as Erik ten Hag’s solution to David de Gea’s exit, now faces the axe after a string of blunders, including three direct errors leading to Premier League goals this season. With pressure mounting and results not delivered, Manchester United has zeroed in on an unlikely saviour, Real Madrid’s backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, according to Fichajes.
Lunin’s career at the Bernabeu is a mix of silverware and bench warming. The Ukrainian shot-stopper, 26, has spent six years as Thibaut Courtois’ deputy, yet delivered when it mattered most. Last season, with Courtois sidelined by an ACL tear, Lunin stepped between the sticks. His nine saves against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, matching Courtois’ record, and two penalty saves in the shootout etched his name into Madrid folklore. But reality caught him real fast. Courtois’ return shoved Lunin back to the bench, limited to Copa del Rey cameos with just four appearances this term and endless training drills.
United sees opportunity in Madrid’s stalemate. Scouts have monitored Lunin since his breakout 2023/24 campaign, where his 79% save rate in La Liga surpassed Courtois’ performances. At 1.91 meters, he’s a towering presence, commanding his box with a calmness that Onana has been lacking lately. Crucially, he’s comfortable with the ball at his feet as well, a non-negotiable for Amorim’s system.
Real Madrid won’t roll out the red carpet for United. Despite Lunin’s limited role, his contract runs until 2030, and the club values his reliability. United’s reported £34m valuation may fall short of Madrid’s likely £47m demand. Los Blancos rarely sell cheap, but Lunin’s hunger for minutes gives United leverage. The keeper knows his prime years are ticking away on the bench. The chance to be No. 1 at United surely attracts him but Real Madrid is a tough nut to crack.
Lunin’s arrival would trigger a chain reaction. Altay Bayindir, United’s forgotten No. 2, could be shipped out after failing to get the regular minutes ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. Tom Heaton is also expected to retire at the end of the season so a goalkeeper is coming for sure. With other names linked as well, including Burnley’s Trafford, will Lunin take the nod ahead of him?
But the real gamble lies with Amorim. His rebuild hinges on fixing a defence that’s leaked 39 league goals. Lunin’s safe hands might steady the ship, but United’s problems run deeper. A keeper alone can’t patch a fractured backline. As Madrid weighs their options, United fans hold their breath for the summer transfer window to catch some new faces at the club.