Manchester United Advised to Pursue Towering Goalkeeper Seen as Major Improvement Over Onana
Ex-Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen has thrown his support behind the idea of the club pursuing Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
In an exclusive interview with Man U News via Poker Strategy, Meulensteen, who once worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, suggested that the Italian goalkeeper could significantly strengthen Ruben Amorim’s side if he were to join this summer.
“You’d be getting a real presence in Donnarumma — physically imposing, proven in top competitions like the Champions League and domestic leagues. He’s a solid shot-stopper. Sure, he may not be as comfortable with the ball at his feet as Onana, but is that necessarily what the team needs right now?”
Meulensteen added that if Donnarumma were to arrive, it’s almost certain he would take over as the club’s number one choice between the posts, casting doubt on Onana’s future in that role.
He continued, “Bringing in someone of Donnarumma’s caliber, and sorting out the defensive line in front of him, could give United one of the strongest backlines in the Premier League — it’s a major piece of the puzzle.”
Could the Transfer Happen?
While reports indicate the 26-year-old might be open to a Premier League switch, he is also said to be leaning toward staying in Paris if a contract renewal can be sorted.
Donnarumma’s current deal runs out in under a year, and talks over an extension have reportedly stalled, with PSG offering him less than his current wage.
Premier League Rivals Monitoring the Situation
Both Manchester City and Chelsea are also reportedly keeping tabs on the situation, although there’s speculation that Donnarumma’s camp might be leveraging these links to pressure PSG into improving their offer.
Even if the Italian international doesn’t make the move to Old Trafford, many fans believe United must find serious competition for Onana ahead of the new season.
As of now, **Gianluigi Donnarumma is not officially on Manchester United’s radar**, but **Rene Meulensteen’s public endorsement** adds fuel to a conversation that **many fans and pundits have already been having privately** — **Is André Onana truly the long-term No. 1 for Manchester United?**
Here are **key takeaways** and **realities** regarding Donnarumma and a potential move to Old Trafford:
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### 🧤 Meulensteen’s View: Donnarumma Could Be United’s “Presence in Goal”
* **Strengths highlighted**: Size, shot-stopping, big-game experience (Euro 2020, Champions League), commanding the penalty area.
* **Concerns noted**: Ball-playing ability less than Onana’s — but perhaps that’s not a priority under **new manager Ruben Amorim**, whose system may not require a sweeper-keeper to the same extent as Ten Hag’s.
* **Implication**: **If Donnarumma signs, Onana could be benched or sold**, with Meulensteen suggesting Donnarumma becomes the instant No. 1.
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### ⚠️ Contract Situation at PSG:
* **Donnarumma’s current deal** ends **summer 2026** (not 2025), though **talks of a contract renewal have reportedly stalled**.
* PSG **want to reduce his wages**, while **Donnarumma’s camp wants a raise**, hence **leaks about Premier League interest** could be **a tactic to gain leverage**.
* **No credible sources have confirmed Manchester United have opened talks** — this remains **speculative** for now.
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### 💰 Transfer Feasibility for United:
* United are focusing spending on **Benjamin Šeško (€85m deal done)** and potentially a **center-back and central midfielder**.
* Donnarumma would command **wages over £200,000/week** and a **transfer fee in excess of €50m**, even with PSG willing to negotiate.
* Financially, it’s only possible **if Onana is sold**, which so far **has not been seriously discussed by United’s leadership**.
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### 🧐 Other Clubs Interested?
* **Chelsea**: Looking for a new No. 1 to replace Robert Sánchez; could enter talks depending on other targets.
* **Manchester City**: Monitoring, but with Ederson in place, unlikely unless there’s a shock departure.
* **Juventus**: Long-time admirers; would struggle to meet wage demands unless a cut-price deal emerges.
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### 🚨 Reality Check:
* Donnarumma to United **is not currently in advanced negotiation**.
* **Rene Meulensteen’s comments are opinion**, not a confirmation of interest.
* United’s immediate focus remains on **outfield positions**, though **goalkeeper may become a priority in January or next summer** if **Onana’s form dips**.
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### ✅ Conclusion:
* Donnarumma **would be a marquee signing**, but unless **Onana is sold or dropped**, such a move is **unlikely in this window**.
* Meulensteen’s remarks **reflect a growing dissatisfaction among some fans with Onana’s inconsistency**, fueling the idea of elite competition or replacement.
* **Keep an eye on PSG’s contract standoff** — that’s where the door could open.
Let me know if you’d like updates if United show concrete interest in Donnarumma or if you’d like a **comparison of available goalkeepers United might target instead**.
