Manchester United could sign a World Cup starting goalkeeper for free! Premier League newcomers look to bring in two players, one of whom might face his old club on the opening day

Manchester United will probably require a dependable reserve goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, and Scotland's World Cup shot-stopper Angus Gunn has become the newest candidate. The 30-year-old was let go by Nottingham Forest, making him available without a fee.

Gunn was Scotland's main goalkeeper at the World Cup, featuring from the start against Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil, and he received positive reviews. Even in a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the final group game, he earned the highest rating on his team, making five saves to prevent a heavier loss.

United are seeking an experienced goalkeeper willing to play second fiddle, as the club plans to sell current keepers Andre Onana and Altay Bayındır. Previously, Wolves academy graduate Sam Johnstone and Leeds United's Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow were among the options considered.

Gunn also fits the profile. He came through Manchester City's youth system, and during his time with the "Citizens'" reserves, current Manchester United football director Jason Wilcox was his academy coach and later his manager.

Gunn comes from a goalkeeping family. His father, Bryan Gunn, was a Norwich player who later became a goalkeeping coach. Young Angus initially played in Norwich's academy but was signed by Manchester City in 2011, though he never made a senior appearance for them. In 2018, he moved to Southampton for £13.5 million; three years later, he returned to Norwich, staying until 2025.

Last summer, Gunn signed a one-year deal with Nottingham Forest, but he was third choice behind Matz Sels and Stefan Ortega, making just one appearance all season. His contract was terminated in early June, leaving him free to join any club at any time.

Internationally, Gunn was eligible for both England and Scotland. In 2017, he replaced the injured Jack Butland in the England squad for a friendly against Brazil. Gareth Southgate also called him up for the 2018 World Cup preparations, though only as a training player.

In 2023, Gunn officially chose to represent Scotland and was immediately selected for the European Qualifiers squad. He helped the team qualify for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany, starting all three group stage matches. For this World Cup, he again made Steve Clarke's 26-player list and became the first-choice keeper ahead of Craig Gordon.

United believe Gunn's goalkeeping ability, international experience, and homegrown status make him an ideal candidate to be the number two behind Onana. The club has also been tracking 35-year-old Darlow, who started 22 Premier League matches last season and might be stronger, but his contract with Leeds expires next week and talks over an extension are ongoing, so United may not get him. As for 33-year-old Johnstone, his Wolves deal runs until 2028, meaning a transfer fee would be required.

United also have another goalkeeper set to leave this summer: 22-year-old Czech keeper Radek Vitek, who is being sold because he does not want to remain a backup. Vitek spent last season on loan at Bristol City in the Championship, keeping 12 clean sheets in 41 appearances, and swept all the club's seasonal awards.

Vitek has two years left on his United contract. The club wanted him to serve as backup to Sena Raimi, but Vitek was unwilling. If he agrees to extend, United would consider another loan; otherwise, they will sell him this summer, hoping for around £10 million in transfer fees.

According to the Daily Mail, Premier League newcomers Hull City are interested in signing Vitek, along with two other promoted sides, Coventry City and Ipswich Town. These clubs can offer Vitek the chance to compete for the number one spot. Among them, Hull have the most urgent need for goalkeepers, with manager Sergei Yakirovich aiming to bring in two stoppers this summer; he has already sent scouts to the World Cup.

Hull have opened transfer talks with Braga for Lucas Hornicek, and have also made a bold offer for Bayern Munich's Alexander Nübel, though the latter prefers a more attractive destination.

Interestingly, Hull also want to keep Manchester United loanee Toby Collier, an English midfielder who spent the second half of last season on loan. Despite the former Ten Hag favorite's season-ending injury, Yakirovich still rates his Premier League ability, especially his running power, which suits a relegation-battling side like Hull. Coincidentally, Manchester United's first match of the new season is away to Hull, so if both academy graduates join Hull, their debut could see them face their former club.