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Barcelona shut the door on Manchester United’s interest in veteran defensive star

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Shrishh Attavar | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 4:46 PM ET

Manchester United suffer a major setback in their pursuit of Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Their plans to reinforce their goalkeeping department have hit a major roadblock for Manchester United after Barcelona sporting director Deco dismissed the idea of Marc-Andre ter Stegen leaving the Camp Nou in January. United had made an approach to sign the veteran German goalkeeper, but Barca’s stance is firm: Ter Stegen is not for sale.

That is as per Metro. The 33-year-old’s situation at Barcelona has been uncertain for months. A prolonged back injury, a tense dispute over recovery timelines, and the arrival of Joan Garcia from Espanyol have all cast doubt on his long-term future. Garcia has since cemented himself as Hansi Flick’s number one, leading to speculation that Ter Stegen could stand tempted by a new challenge.

However, Deco has made it clear that no such move is on the cards. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona chief made it categorically clear that if ter Stegen was fit, he’d play. The lack of fit goalkeepers at the club prompted them to sign Garcia and also call-back Diego Kochen from the Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

No Ter Stegen for Red Devils

It is a firm statement that effectively ends United’s hopes of landing one of Europe’s most experienced goalkeepers, at least in the near term. For the club, the search for stability between the posts continues.

The idea of “If DDG was still at the club” doesn’t feel bad all of a sudden. After watching Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana, United have come off as very immature as to let go of David de Gea for not-so-consistent performers. The idea of adding a proven winner like Ter Stegen made sense both as a mentor figure and as a potential starter if the right conditions aligned.

Since joining Barcelona in 2014, Ter Stegen has been one of the club’s most dependable figures, racking up 422 appearances and winning 17 trophies, including six La Liga titles and a Champions League crown. Even amid injuries and captaincy drama, his professionalism has rarely been questioned.

Let’s see where the quest for a new goalie takes United. Whether or not we look for a proven old-head like ter Stegen or a completely new player is something only time will tell.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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