Manchester United could make a move for a new goalkeeper this summer despite signing two stoppers at the end of last season.
United backed Erik ten Hag in the transfer market last summer and it was no surprise to see him revamp the club’s goalkeeping ranks.
David De Gea was let go whilst Jack Butland’s loan came to an end and Dean Henderson was sold to Crystal Palace.
Add in the sales of Matej Kovar and Nathan Bishop and United decided to go in a totally different direction between the sticks.
In came Andre Onana, reuniting with Ten Hag having previously worked together at Ajax.
United also pounced for Turkish international Altay Bayindir, landing him from Fenerbahce as competition for Onana.
After a mixed start to the season, Onana as largely proven that he is a worthy number one for United.
We have only seen Bayindir in action once this season and that came in the rather unconvincing 4-2 win at Newport County in January.
Manchester United goalkeeper interest
Recent reports have actually linked Bayindir with a move away.
Rumours suggest that Trabzonspor are interested in bringing Bayindir back to Turkey this summer.
That would leave United to target another goalkeeper and we have seen links to Ajax stopper Diant Ramaj.
A new name is now in the mix though with Calciomercato claiming that United are interested in snapping up Lazio’s Christos Mandas.
It’s stated that Lazio are not looking to sell Mandas but United are ‘in particular’ keen on signing him.
President Claudio Lotito will at least listen to offers for Mandas and United are now lurking, surely viewing Mandas as a potential replacement for Bayindir should he move on.
New Lazio boss Igor Tudor has been impressed but there is still a chance that Mandas is instead loaned out for more first-team exposure next season.
United surely wouldn’t be in the market for a loan move and would almost certainly be viewing Mandas as a long-term investment.
Who is Christos Mandas?
Mandas hails from Greece and started his career in the youth ranks of Atromitos, breaking into the first team with 33 appearances.
OFI Crete snapped up Mandas in 2022, but he made just 29 appearances before landing a big move to Italy with Lazio last year.
Lazio paid just €1million (£860,000) to sign Mandas having spotted his potential in Greek football.
Primarily serving as backup to Ivan Provedel, Mandas has deputised admirably this season and has impressed in his seven Serie A appearances this term.
Mandas is only 22 and has earned two caps for the Greek Under-21’s, with senior caps surely in his future.
Fabrizio Ravanelli has praised Mandas as an ‘excellent’ goalkeeper but some United fans may be concerned by him playing just 70 games as he approaches his 23rd birthday.
Mandas is taking his chance with Lazio right now though and he is a name to keep close tabs on just in case Bayindir does decide to move on this summer.
