Manchester United Identifies Andre Onana’s Replacement

A hamstring injury to Manchester United Goalkeeper Andre Onana has dealt a big blow to Ruben Amorim, with the Cameroonian now expected to miss around two months of football. It is a frustrating blow for the Portuguese, who had made it clear that Onana was still his first-choice despite a very underwhelming first two years at Old Trafford. 

The timing could not be worse. Amorim had hoped to start the new campaign with a settled squad and a clear number one. Still, the injury now forces the club to dip into the transfer market for a short-term or potentially long-term solution, and it seems they have found a promising candidate in Brazil. Who will replace Onana?

The Rise Of John Victor

Enter John Victor, a name few Premier League fans will recognize for now, but one that could be about to feature heavily in United’s preseason headlines. The 29-year-old goalkeeper has made waves in South America, particularly during Botafogo’s Club World Cup campaign, where he produced some impressive performances, especially the standout performance in their shock win over Paris Saint-Germain. That game alone reportedly caught the attention of United scouts, and now, the club is seriously exploring a move.

Victor is not some teenage wonderkid. He is a towering presence at 1.96m, commands his box well, and comes with the kind of experience United has been missing in backup keepers and Onana. More importantly, there’s a release clause in his contract, £6 million to be exact. That makes him a bargain by today’s standards. Knowing they can’t block a move if a club meets the clause, Botafogo has already started scouting potential replacements. Reports from Brazil suggest they are eyeing Atletico Mineiro’s Matheus Mendes, which is a clear admission that Victor could be on his way out.

For United, this was expected. With Altay Bayindir not convincing anyone at Carrington and likely to be sold this summer, there is little faith in the current goalkeeping depth. Some United fans even consider the 28-year-old to be starting ahead of Onana, who’s had a very difficult time since his move from Inter. Conversely, Victor offers solid short-term security and perhaps more if he adapts quickly to English football.

A Smart, Safe Move In a Tricky Summer

John Victor has earned his stripes across Brazil’s top flight and was included in the South American Team of the Year for 2024. His save percentage last season remained consistently high, and his leadership during Botafogo’s domestic and continental runs was viewed across the continent. He even had a brief stint in La Liga with Real Valladolid, making an impression in a handful of games.

In terms of cost versus potential impact, there are not many better options on the market. Alternatives like Diogo Costa or Emiliano Martinez are atop the list. Still, they would command fees upwards of £35–40 million, which is not ideal when the club is already in very tough financial times and trying to strengthen in midfield and attack. Victor’s £6 million tag looks like the low-risk, high-reward move that is hard to argue against.

Even if Onana returns in time for the business end of the season, Victor could provide real competition for the No. 1 jersey. Given how Amorim has been ruthless in reshaping this squad, there is no guarantee that Onana’s place is secure in the long term. Reports have even suggested the club might be open to a sale or loan of the Cameroonian international if the right offer comes in, especially if Victor impresses during his initial run.

Behind the scenes, things are moving quickly. United are keen to wrap up any goalkeeper deal as Onana’s replacement before the preseason tour of the United States kicks off. The club sees it as a chance for new arrivals to settle, and they want the goalkeeping position resolved before then. Victor is experienced, affordable, and ready to enter without the fanfare or pressure surrounding a big-name arrival.

Final Thoughts

Manchester United finds itself in a familiar situation. Scrambling for solutions. This time, the response was sharp and considerate. Rather than overpaying or panicking, they have approached a player who’s shown consistency, maturity, and the ability to perform on big stages.

John Victor may not have been the name on every fan’s lips at the start of the window, but if this deal goes through, he could become one of the quiet success stories of the season. For United, it is a chance to turn a crisis into an opportunity, and maybe, just maybe, find a long-term solution where they were only looking for a quick fix.

Onana’s injury is not even relevant here. United were still looking for a goalkeeper to replace the error-prone Cameroonian International, as fans and pundits have “had enough” and believe he needs to move on. They would even take a £6 million solution just for United to make the move.