Report: Man Utd could sign €50m goalkeeper with Atalanta ties proving key | OneFootball

Man Utd eye €50m Carnesecchi with key decision looming over Onana

Manchester United’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper is gathering momentum as reports suggest a €50 million price tag has been set for Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi. With uncertainty surrounding Andre Onana’s future and growing dissatisfaction over his performances, the Red Devils may be ready to act decisively in this summer’s transfer window.

This development was detailed in a recent report by CaughtOffside, who credit Alfredo Pedullà with the insight that Carnesecchi is available for around €50 million, despite Atalanta’s reluctance to sell. What’s particularly intriguing, however, is United’s “excellent relationship” with the Serie A club, which could prove crucial should talks intensify.

United’s past dealings open door to fresh agreement

Manchester United and Atalanta are no strangers when it comes to negotiating. In recent years, Old Trafford has welcomed both Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund from Bergamo. There were also exploratory contacts over Ederson, signalling a pattern of collaboration and mutual trust.

This familiarity could serve United well, especially with other targets also under consideration. According to the same report, “United could turn to Carnesecchi as an option in goal this summer, but are also looking at Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez in case Andre Onana leaves.”

Although no formal bid has yet been confirmed, the interest in Carnesecchi feels tangible and perhaps even strategic. At just 24 years old, the Italian goalkeeper has established himself as a consistent performer in one of Europe’s most tactically demanding leagues. He brings agility, sharp reflexes, and composure, all key traits for a side seeking defensive reassurance.

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Onana’s Old Trafford tenure under scrutiny

Onana’s arrival from Inter Milan was heralded as a solution to United’s longstanding goalkeeping dilemma, but his time in Manchester has been chequered. Despite a strong track record in Italy and Champions League pedigree, the Cameroon international has struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity and unpredictability.

As Pedullà noted, “Onana has mostly been very disappointing during his time at Old Trafford, despite previously looking like a top performer during his Inter Milan days.”

With reports mixed on his future, the question now becomes whether he has the backing of new head coach Ruben Amorim. According to CaughtOffside, “the Guardian have been among the outlets to report that his preference would be to stay at United,” yet there are no guarantees. “That might not end up being his decision, though, as various key figures inside Old Trafford will surely view him as a weak link in this squad.”

It is a damning but realistic assessment, and if United are to close the gap with the top two, they can ill afford to carry passengers in vital positions. A high-performing, dependable goalkeeper is foundational, and Carnesecchi may represent a logical long-term upgrade.

Atalanta’s stance signals willingness, not resistance

While Atalanta are under no pressure to sell, Pedullà notes that “big offers could change their minds,” suggesting that while Carnesecchi is valued, he is not untouchable. The club’s proven ability to regenerate talent and reinvest smartly could also mean they view a sale at the right price as an opportunity, not a setback.

Furthermore, with United’s goalkeeper search reportedly including Emiliano Martinez, Carnesecchi may be the more attainable and sustainable option. Martinez commands Premier League experience and World Cup-winning status, but at 31, he is at a different stage in his career. Carnesecchi, by contrast, offers a profile that could align with United’s attempts to refresh and rebuild under Amorim’s stewardship.

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What Amorim’s arrival could mean for the goalkeeping role

With Ruben Amorim now in charge at Old Trafford, a shift in tactical and recruitment strategy is inevitable. Amorim’s high-pressing, ball-dominant approach requires a goalkeeper comfortable with distribution and sweeping duties. That may explain why Onana was initially targeted, but if his execution continues to falter, patience will not be indefinite.

As CaughtOffside reported, “Ruben Amorim will also surely want to clear out a few other names after inheriting a struggling side when he took over from Erik ten Hag last season.” If the goalkeeping role is included in that internal review, Carnesecchi might be one of the first pieces in a broader reset.

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From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this report feels like a necessary development. Onana hasn’t lived up to expectations, and while it’s unfair to blame all defensive problems on him, his error rate and lack of confidence under pressure are hard to ignore. A club of United’s size and ambition cannot afford to gamble on inconsistency, especially not in such a pivotal position.

Carnesecchi feels like a forward-thinking option. He’s young, sharp, and has been nurtured in a highly tactical environment at Atalanta. Most fans would agree that while €50 million is not insignificant, it is a price worth paying if it secures a goalkeeper for the next decade. Add to that United’s strong ties with Atalanta, and this could be one of the smoother negotiations in recent memory.

Martinez may be the more experienced name, but United have too often opted for short-term fixes in recent seasons. Carnesecchi would signal a proper plan, a long-term solution, and Amorim deserves the chance to build something with players suited to his philosophy.

If this deal happens, it will mark a significant and welcome turning point in United’s ongoing rebuild.