Manchester United eye Championship goalkeeper as they look to add competition for Andre Onana - Reports

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier. They view the Frenchman as a potential backup for Andre Onana.

Onana has become the first-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford after arriving from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023. However, Altay Bayindir, who also arrived last summer from Fenerbahce, has failed to impress in his minimal opportunities. He made a couple of mistakes in their 4-3 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup quarter-final on Thursday.

Hence, as per journalist Alan Nixon (via GiveMeSport), Manchester United are looking for Bayindir's replacements. They have identified Meslier as an option, with his contract expiring in 2026. The Frenchman has been impressive for Leeds United this season, keeping 12 clean sheets in 22 Championship games.

Meslier also has Premier League experience, having been between the sticks for Leeds when they were in the English top flight. He's kept 21 clean sheets in 107 Premier League games. Manchester United were also linked with Meslier in the past but a deal never materialized.

However, with just over one year left on his contract, the Red Devils are looking to make a move for the 24-year-old.

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Ruben Amorim shares thoughts on Altay Bayindir after Manchester United's loss against Tottenham

Altay Bayindir made only his third appearance for the season, with all coming in the EFL Cup, when he started against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, December 19. However, it was a night to forget for him as Manchester United crashed out of the quarter-final.

In the 15th minute, Spurs' Pedro Porro took a shot from outside the box, which Bayindir saved. However, the rebound went into the path of Dominic Solanke, who finished brilliantly. Many believe the Turkish goalkeeper could've done better with the initial save.

Dejan Kulusevski (46') and Solanke (54') made it 3-0 for Tottenham. Fraser Forster made two big mistakes, allowing Joshua Zirkzee (63') and Amad Diallo (70') to score. With Manchester United pushing for an equalizer, Heung-min Son scored directly from a corner that Bayindir failed to deal with. The Red Devils eventually lost 4-3 and were eliminated.

When asked if the goalkeeper had apologised to him, United head coach Ruben Amorim said (via Evening Standard):

“No, he doesn’t have to do that. He has to focus. We will see the game, and we will improve every player of this team. We win together, lose together. It is not the individual; it is the team.”

Bayindir has made just four appearances for the Red Devils since arriving last summer, keeping one clean sheet.