While Manchester United have strengthened Ruben Amorim's defence, they still have two key areas that need dealing with. The first is in central midfield, where a more mobile and energetic profile is glaringly needed to partner Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo.
Carlos Baleba is United's top target to arrive as a new number six but INEOS have pulled the plug as things stand. They have been informed by Brighton & Hove Albion that the Cameroonian isn't for sale.
If that's the case then the Reds need to postpone their pursuit of the 21-year-old and handle their goalkeeping problem. Altay Bayindir was handed an opportunity in the 1-0 loss to Arsenal but probably did more harm than good regarding claiming the number one jersey.
Andre Onana sat out pre-season and had only just recovered from a hamstring injury which meant he missed the season-opening defeat. But there have been question marks over his reliability anyway and with his compatriot, Baleba, seemingly not arriving this summer, a replacement between the sticks should be prioritised.
Man United have golden opportunity to sign Diogo Costa on the cheap
When Onana arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2023 for £47.2m he was tasked with replacing club legend David de Gea. He was chosen by Erik ten Hag who had worked with him at Ajax and had much success.
The 29-year-old has faltered for the majority of his spell with the Reds and the club's recruitment team may regret their decision. That's because their alternative was Diogo Costa, a younger option who has continuously impressed in Liga Portugal.
Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg reports that Galatsaray have made a €20m (£17m) plus add-ons offer for Costa. The Turkish giants are prioritising Manchester City's Ederson but the FC Porto shot-stopper is their backup plan.
🚨🦁 EXCLUSIVE | Galatasaray have submitted an official offer for Diogo #Costa worth €20 million plus add-ons.
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 18, 2025
The priority for Galatasaray is still #Ederson. However, an agreement with Man City is not yet in sight. Therefore, Galatasaray are exploring alternatives, and Costa… pic.twitter.com/B9MPjHQNTG
The fact that bids for the 25-year-old are in the ballpark of just £17m is ridiculous and shouldn't be ignored by INEOS. He's by no means perfect but has comfortably been one of the best goalkeepers in Europe in recent years.
Costa could have an easier time than Onana at adapting to life at Old Trafford given he'd be joining a club whose coaching staff are all Portuguese. That could also be a massive plus for Ruben Amorim because he knows the keeper from his time coaching Sporting CP.
🚨🗣️ @lauriewhitwell on Donnarumma and other goalkeepers:
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) August 21, 2025
"Donnarumma is the big one that people keep asking about. His wages are just,..his demands are HUGE. I don’t see how United can go for that. There are people saying to me that they can see him going to Manchester City… pic.twitter.com/D3KLCOhQwa
What to do with Andre Onana
Onana's future is uncertain and he's being linked with a return to Inter Milan where he caught the eye at the San Siro, per Sun Sport. A move back to Italy could be perfect for all parties but that's if he agrees to leave the club.
The Cameroonian may have struggled between the sticks but he looks to have fallen in love with United. It would be unfair to force him out the door but if a deal for Costa is a possibility than perhaps explaining that he's no longer number one could get him on board to exit.
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