Andre Onana was once seen as a huge signing for Manchester United, having the potential to offer an upgrade on David de Gea after the Spaniard was released back in 2023.
The Red Devils forked out a fee in the region of £47.2m to sign him from Inter Milan back in the same summer, with the deal seen as an astute piece of business at the time.
However, nearly two years on from his big-money move to Old Trafford, the Cameroonian has failed to deliver, producing numerous howlers that have cost Ruben Amorim’s side in key moments.
He’s registered eight errors leading to goals this season, undoubtedly being at fault for conceding Brennan Johnson’s effort, which ultimately saw them suffer defeat in the Europa League final.
It’s a surprise to no one to see other targets being considered during the summer transfer window, with a new shot-stopper desperately needed if the club are to take the next step in the years ahead.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new goalkeeper
Earlier this summer, Burnley ‘keeper James Trafford was seen as a viable option for United, with his tally of 29 clean sheets this season catching the eye – but no deal has yet progressed for the former Manchester City youngster.
Champions League winner Gianluigi Donnarumma was also seen as a potential addition, but their quest for his signature has been foiled after the Italian stated his desire to remain at PSG.
As a result, the Red Devils have had to take their efforts elsewhere, appearing to be heading in the right direction over a move to sign Lille star Lucas Chevalier, according to TEAMtalk.
Their report claims that Amorim’s side has opened talks with the 23-year-old’s agents as they bid to sign a player who kept 11 clean sheets in his 34 Ligue 1 outings throughout 2024/25.
It also states they face competition from fellow English side Aston Villa, with the French outfit demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the promising talent this window.
Why Cheavlier would be a better signing than Martinez for United
As previously mentioned, United have been working hard to identify a new goalkeeper for Amorim in recent weeks, subsequently turning their attention to Villa’s Emiliano Martínez in recent days.
The Argentine has been one of Europe’s most impressive shot-stoppers in recent seasons, claiming the Goalkeeper of the Year award twice in the last three years.
This season has been no different, winning the league’s Save of the Season award, but looks set to depart Unai Emery’s side, with sales needed to avoid a PSR breach.
It’s been reported that they are demanding £40m for the 32-year-old this summer, with the player himself said to be keen on a switch to join the Red Devils.
However, the club should look past Martinez in the coming months and put their focus onto Chevalier, with the Frenchman providing a better option for Amorim’s side.
At only 23, he has the potential to grow into one of Europe’s leading talents in such a position, even outperforming Martinez in numerous key areas this campaign – subsequently highlighting the talent he possesses.
The Lille number one, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by one analyst, has conceded fewer goals and kept more clean sheets in 2024/25 – handing United the quality they’ve been lacking between the sticks.
|
How Chevalier compares to Martinez in 2024/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Chevalier |
Martinez |
|
Games played |
34 |
37 |
|
Goals conceded |
36 |
45 |
|
Clean sheets |
11 |
8 |
|
Save percentage |
75% |
69% |
|
Saves made per 90 |
2.8 |
2.7 |
|
Pass accuracy |
80% |
78% |
|
Errors leading to goals |
0 |
1 |
|
Stats via FBref |
||
He’s also achieved a better save percentage and made more saves per 90, highlighting why he would be a better and higher-quality addition despite his tender age.
Chevalier has starred with the ball at his feet, completing more passes and registering fewer errors that lead to goals, offering Amorim the option to play out from the back should he want it.
Whilst £50m may appear to be a hefty figure for a young ‘keeper, the Lille star has demonstrated that he’s a competent option that’s only going to get better in the years to come.
Martinez would likely be a solid short-term solution to the current issue, but Chevalier could easily be the club’s number one for the next decade, with the hierarchy needing to prioritise a move for his signature over the Argentine this summer.
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