Manchester United is heading into a turbulent summer, particularly concerning the goalkeeper position. Following a string of underwhelming performances by Andre Onana since his arrival, the Red Devils are now seriously exploring alternatives. According to recent reports, Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi has emerged as the top candidate should Onana complete a move to AS Monaco.
Goalkeeper Woes: The Post-De Gea Anxiety
Historically, Manchester United has prided itself on stability between the posts—an essential ingredient in their success under Sir Alex Ferguson. Even as the club struggled in the post-Ferguson era, David De Gea remained a reliable presence, a “beacon of hope” for supporters.
Though De Gea went through rough patches and made mistakes, he still exuded trust. The same cannot be said for Andre Onana. Since his £47.2 million move from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, the Cameroonian goalkeeper has consistently made costly errors and poor decisions. Despite an impressive season with Inter—where he helped the club reach the Champions League final—Onana has failed to replicate that form at Old Trafford.
Marco Carnesecchi: A Different Style Brings Renewed Hope
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Manchester United are prepared to move for Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi if Onana heads to Monaco. What makes Carnesecchi stand out is his vastly different style compared to Onana.
While Onana is known for his ball-playing ability and distribution from the back, Carnesecchi focuses more on the traditional qualities of a goalkeeper: shot-stopping and positioning. He doesn't prioritize the modern sweeper-keeper approach or passing prowess as much as Onana.
This could be crucial, as Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini have operated with a tactical philosophy similar to what Ruben Amorim—rumored to be United's next manager—is expected to bring to Old Trafford. As such, Carnesecchi may adapt more smoothly to Amorim’s system, something Onana has visibly struggled with.
Many United fans believe parting ways with Onana would benefit both club and player. Whether it’s Carnesecchi or another candidate, the hope remains that United will restore its long-standing tradition of world-class goalkeeping. With legends like Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar, and David De Gea in their history, can Carnesecchi be the next to carry the torch?