Man United target John Victor as Onana’s injury forces urgent goalkeeper hunt

|By Babatunji Wusu-

-Red Devils consider £6m move for Botafogo star after Emi Martinez talks stall

Manchester United are set to make a formal offer for Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor as a potential replacement for injured first-choice shot-stopper Andre Onana.

The Premier League giants had earlier opened talks to sign Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez from Aston Villa, with the 31-year-old said to be interested in a move to Old Trafford. However, Villa’s £40 million valuation has stalled negotiations, forcing United to explore cheaper alternatives.

Onana, who joined Manchester United from Inter Milan in 2023, has struggled with form and will miss the club’s entire pre-season schedule after picking up a hamstring injury. The Cameroon international is now a doubt for United’s Premier League opening fixture against Arsenal in August.

Reports from Goal Brazil confirm that United have informed Botafogo of their willingness to activate the £6 million release clause in Victor’s contract. The 20-year-old has impressed with his performances in Brazil’s top flight and is now viewed as a short-term fix with long-term potential.

In anticipation of Victor’s departure, Botafogo are already lining up Atletico Mineiro’s Matheus Mendes as his replacement, signaling that negotiations with Manchester United are progressing swiftly.

The deal, if finalized, would give United a cost-effective goalkeeping option with room for development, while ensuring depth in the position during Onana’s recovery.