Manchester United aims to strengthen their defense for free next year, targeting AC Milan’s goalkeeper and Bayern’s solid defender! Saving money to buy a new midfielder

The season is still early, yet Manchester United seems ready to look ahead to next season. Both the manager and multiple playing positions are thought to require strengthening. According to reports, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS plan to prioritize midfield signings next year with a huge budget. This may leave less money for other roles, so the Red Devils seem inclined to scout the free transfer market.

Reports indicate that Manchester United is interested in signing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, whose contract expires at the end of this season. He could sign a pre-contract as early as January next year, but the deal faces competition from Premier League rival Chelsea.

The Red Devils signed 23-year-old goalkeeper Senna Miangue from Royal Antwerp during the summer transfer window, but he has yet to make his debut and does not seem to be the first-choice keeper in Amolin’s plans. British media reveal that Manchester United already intends to sign another goalkeeper next year, especially if they manage to sell André Onana.

Altay Bayındır currently serves as Manchester United’s preferred goalkeeper, but his performances have been disappointing. Recent reports suggest the Turkish international might leave next summer. According to talkSPORT, Manchester United is closely monitoring French keeper Maignan, whose Milan contract has only one year left.

The 30-year-old Maignan brings extensive experience, having developed through Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, made his name at Lille, and won the Serie A title after joining Milan. He will be available on a free transfer next summer, making him an appealing risk for the Red Devils. However, Maignan’s recent injury record is concerning, having missed around 40 matches in the last two years and suffering another injury recently.

Another key defensive reinforcement target for Manchester United is center-back. In the match against Brentford, the three starting center-backs—De Ligt, Maguire, and Luke Shaw—underperformed. German transfer expert Christian Falk reports that next year Manchester United aims to compete with Liverpool for Bayern Munich’s French center-back Dayot Upamecano, whose contract is also nearing expiration.

Bayern has been trying for months to negotiate a new contract with Upamecano but has made no progress. Falk explained: “Liverpool is indeed interested in Upamecano. Bayern’s talks with him have lasted almost a year with little time left because he will become a free agent next summer. This has attracted many clubs. All the top clubs worldwide are watching him. I’ve heard Real Madrid is among them, and this player is also on the lists of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.”

Negotiations for overseas free agents can only start from January next year, so current rumors could just be tactics between players and their clubs regarding contract renewals. At present, Manchester United can only bring in youth academy prospects. It is reported that Senegalese defensive midfielder Mouhamed Dabo is among the young players possibly joining.

Seventeen-year-old Dabo has captained the Senegal U-20 team and recently trialed at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground, even experiencing Old Trafford. However, the Manchester Evening News denies that this player is about to sign with the Red Devils. Similar to his trial at Barcelona, he might have been rejected by Manchester United.

Manchester United’s youth academy seems to be the only consolation for fans this season. However, Darren Fletcher’s U18 squad suffered their first defeat over the weekend. Despite leading Manchester City 2-0 at halftime, they were dramatically overturned and lost 2-4 at home, dropping from the top spot even though they have played one more match than their rivals.