Anxious Man Utd risk losing the man who orchestrated their ‘best signing in years’ | OneFootball

Manchester United Chief Goalkeeper Scout Tony Coton is a wanted man, with many suitors reportedly trying to prise him away from Carrington.

The 64-year-old was a renowned custodian during his playing days, representing the likes of Birmingham City, Watford, and Manchester City. He even had a brief spell at Man Utd in 1996, before hanging up his gloves in 1997 after one last stint at Sunderland.

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Coton then launched a coaching career, joining Sir Alex Ferguson’s staff in the 1997/98 campaign, acting as a goalkeeper coach. He remained in this role until 2008.

The Tamworth native then turned into a scout, and following experiences at the likes of Bolton, Aston Villa and Sunderland, he rejoined the Red Devils in 2020.

Tony Coton Played instrumental role in Senne Lammen’s arrival at United

While he isn’t the most recognisable name at Carrington, Coton’s work has been recently highlighted. He was identified as the man behind the Senne Lammens coup.

In 2023, the Englishman was reportedly against Andre Onana’s signing, but eventually stood aside and watched the club spend £47 million on the Cameroonian, much to Erik ten Hag’s delight.

Tony Coton, when he was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s crew (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Therefore, Coton was hellbent on avoiding the same scenario last summer, so he vigorously pushed for Lammens’ arrival, while Ruben Amorim had requested the arrival of the more experienced Emiliano Martinez.

Eventually, Coton was proven right, as the 23-year-old has been hailed as Man Utd’s ‘best signing in recent years’ by Forbes, taking into consideration his relatively modest transfer fee (£18 million) and the overwhelmingly positive impact he has had since his arrival.

Coton has several European admirers looking to remove him from Man Utd

According to British journalist Peter O’Rourke, several clubs across Europe are trying to acquire Coton’s services.

This includes the Bundesliga duo of Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg, and the fastest-rising powerhouse in Serie A, Como, who have one of the richest owners in Europe.

Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Man Utd will be able to ward off the competition and keep the Tamworth native, whose competence and experience have been noticeably valuable to the club.

Thanks to Coton, United may have secured a long-term first-choice goalkeeper. Nevertheless his services will be needed once more in the summer, as Altay Bayindir is widely expected to be sold, which would prompt the signing of a replacement.