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Is Barcelona icon the solution to the £47.2m Manchester United problem?

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Siddharth Juyal | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 2:41 PM ET

Manchester United are ready to battle Chelsea to replace Andre Onana by signing Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen this summer. The 33-year-old is now surplus to requirements at Barcelona after they signed Joan Garcia from Espanyol to strengthen their team.

He missed most of the last season after rupturing his patellar tendon in September, losing his position to Wojciech Szczesny. It is clear that Barcelona plan to use the pairing of Szczesny and Garcia for the next season as options.

Meanwhile, the problems in the goalkeeping department have persisted for the Red Devils as Andre Onana continued to struggle consistently. The Cameroonians’ proclivity to make big errors creates a psychological disadvantage whenever United faces any attack from the opposition team.

United signed Onana from Inter Milan for £47.2m under Erik ten Hag as a successor to goalkeeper David De Gea. However, the 29-year-old failed to live up to the legendary stature of his predecessor, breaking the chain of healthy succession.

De Gea succeeded another legendary United keeper in Edwin van der Sar, continuing the club’s rich history with successful goalkeepers. Recent reports have suggested that Onana could leave the Red Devils to join AS Monaco and end his disastrous spell.

The reports contradict the early report that We All Follow United covered, suggesting United are giving another season to Onana. Irrespective of what is true, when it comes to Onana, it is wise to find a worthy competition for him.

According to Fichajes, United are ready to battle Chelsea to sign Ter Stegen from Barcelona during the summer transfer window. Goalkeepers have a longer career span compared to outfield players, making Ter Stegen’s age acceptable for the Red Devils.

However, if United pursue the German goalkeeper seriously, they might have to push for a big pay cut, considering the club’s recent poor record in handling aged players with a mega contract. Rest assured, signing Ter Stegen also gives United a chance to patiently scout a younger option as a long-term solution.

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

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