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Manchester United are interested in signing Valencia goalkeeper Giogi Mamardashvili, according to a new report.
Andre Onana arrived to the club last summer after it was announced that long-term goalkeeper, David de Gea, would not be signing a new deal with United.
The Cameroonian has had a rollercoaster of a season where his showings have ranged from nightmarish to heroic and everything in between.
He has been a stalwart in the team, playing 46 matches in all competitions, but he has conceded a gigantic 75 goals this season.
Of course a multitude of defensive injuries and less than helpful tactics from the manager have not helped him but the fact remains, the keeper has certainly not had the debut season he would have been hoping for.
Moreover, other new goalkeeping recruit, Altay Bayindir, is reported to want out of Old Trafford due to a lack of opportunities as he has only played one game all season, the fourth round FA Cup trip to Newport County at the end of January.
Therefore, the Red Devils could well be on the lookout for a new keeper and it was recently relayed here that Lazio’s Ivan Provedel was someone that United may consider bringing in to challenge Onana.
Fichajes have also reported that Ten Hag’s side would also be keen to land Georgian giant, Mamardashvili, who stands at 1.99m tall (6ft 7in).
The Spanish site claims that United alongside, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid all interested in the services of the 23 year old keeper this summer.
“Giogi Mamardashvili, Valencia CF’s star goalkeeper, is at the epicentre of a frenzy of offers that could lead him to say goodbye to Valencia next season. His outstanding performance in La Liga has catapulted him onto the radar of several European giants, who seek to secure his services to reinforce their respective goals.”
“At Old Trafford, the waters are troubled when it comes to goalkeeping. André Onana’s inconsistency has generated uncertainty in the English team, which sees in Mamardashvili a potential solution to his problems between the sticks. Manchester United is looking for stability in goal and considers the Georgian goalkeeper as a viable option to strengthen its squad.”
The keeper has enjoyed a much less frenetic season than Onana, having conceded 35 goals in 33 league games. He has kept 12 clean sheets for the side from the Mestalla.
In terms of style, the keeper has been described as a “goalkeeper who handles well low shots, reaches balls that can be challenging for taller goalkeepers, like Courtois or Donnarumma, who struggle there. He defends well, he is agile and fast.”
However, “Mamardashvili’s weak spot is passing. He got better at it under Gattuso, but his ball distribution is something to work on if he wants to become a complete modern goalkeeper.”
As INEOS seemingly want to implement a more possession based style at the club, and already possessing Onana who is one of the best ball-playing keepers in the world, it would be strange to go for a keeper who struggles in this regard.
Also, a player who is first choice at his current club is unlikely to come to Old Trafford to sit on the bench and it is doubtful that United won’t give Onana another chance at being number one even if Ten Hag departs.
However, were Onana’s struggles to continue next season, United may just turn to the giant Georgian to stabilise their backline.
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