Premier League giants Manchester United are eyeing up a move for Championship goalkeeper Freddie Woodman from Preston North End, after interest in Burnley‘s James Trafford, Blackburn Rovers‘ Aynsley Pears and League One Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle was revealed.
The Red Devil’s capture of Champions League finalist Andre Onana in 2023, on paper looked to be a perfect match. Erik ten Hag was looking for a more progressive ball playing goalkeeper who could allow the defence to play a higher line, unlike the departing David de Gea. However, the player they got has not lived up to the high expectation. Despite ranking well for clean sheets earlier in the season he has been exposed at times throughout the campaign making high profile mistakes that have cost the club dearly.
This has prompted speculation that new manager Ruben Amorim could be looking to replace him in goal next season. However, the feeling appears to be mutual with the Cameroon international reportedly looking for a move away.
This has prompted several links to goalkeepers across England and Europe. However, even if the number one does remain at the club, Manchester United are keen on adding a domestic number two to help with their homegrown talent quota.
Freddie Woodman Added to the Manchester United “Long List”
To call the potential selection of names that have been linked as replacements for Andre Onana a shortlist would be an understatement. Throughout the season there has been an increasingly long list of stars that are either keen on a move to Old Trafford or being considered for.
The latest to join the ever expanding list is Freddie Woodman, son of Bromley manager and former Head of Goalkeeping at Arsenal Andy Woodman. The goalkeeper also boasts Gareth Southgate as his god father.
The 28-year-old is currently at Preston North End in the Championship where he has picked up a Player of the Year award in his first season and maintained an impressive level of performances throughout his time at the club. It is unknown at this time whether he would be keen on a move to the Premier League giants, especially if he is not guaranteed to start each week according to Alan Nixon if Andre Onana stays.
Sam Tickle, James Trafford and Aynsley Pears Amongst Other Names
As previously mentioned the Red Devils have been linked to a whole host of different players. Sam Tickle was being eyed up as a potential number two or three option, and notably turned down Arsenal in the summer to ensure his development continued with regular football at Wigan Athletic. James Trafford and Aynsley Pears are also highly thought of by the club and could be notable additions, especially with the former’s inclusion in the England squads of late.
