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Whispers linking Manchester United with a new goalkeeper refuse to fade.
Andre Onana and even Altay Bayindir’s inconsistent performances throughout the 2024–25 season have left the United technical bench with more questions than answers regarding their goalkeeping department.
Rúben Amorim will be wondering: can I trust Onana to improve next season, or is it time he secures the upgrade many feel his team needs?
While the question of who will be between the sticks at Old Trafford come the new season remains unanswered, links to top goalkeepers continue to emerge.
The latest name on the radar is Botafogo’s John Victor.
According to reports relayed by The Peoples Person, Manchester United have dispatched scouts to watch Victor in action at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Having played a key role in his side’s domestic title and Copa Libertadores triumph last year, the Brazilian goalkeeper has naturally drawn attention.
Still, United’s scouting department opted to do their due diligence, taking the chance to watch him tested against the world’s elite at the Club World Cup.
Victor impressing on the big stage
The goalkeeper has been impressive against the world’s best clubs, but it is his standout display against Paris Saint-Germain that truly turned heads.
Keeping a clean sheet against the free-scoring European champions PSG (something only Liverpool’s Alisson Becker managed in 2025) has undoubtedly been the standout moment in his impressive run.
That showing is understood to have left the Red Devils’ scouts thoroughly convinced, sparking talk that the club is now ready to push ahead with a move.
At a reported £5.8 million, the 29-year-old looks a steal, and with that sort of price tag, United may well feel this one’s too good to pass up.
Contact not yet established
In a follow-up report on the interest from the 20-time English league champions, Goal Brasil have moved to clarify the situation.
They confirm that despite United’s admiration and intent to act on Victor’s modest release clause, his camp have not yet been approached by the club.
Still, the goalkeeper’s entourage would welcome formal interest, and there is hope that Manchester United will soon submit an official proposal.
In early 2025, Victor’s agent, Pedro Gutiérrez, hinted at the player’s openness to a move to Europe. He noted that several top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, had shown interest.
However, his client chose to stay at Botafogo for the opportunity to feature at the Club World Cup and had a manageable exit clause inserted into his new contract to ease a potential transfer abroad.
His decision may prove shrewd; his club form, combined with high-profile performances in the Club World Cup, have propelled him towards a prolific move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Victor represents a bargain United may struggle to ignore
United have been keen to reinforce their goalkeeping options, but financial constraints have complicated a desire for a marquee signing.
Now, with a proven goalkeeper, Victor, available at a cut price, they have no excuse.
His arrival could provide Onana with the competitive push he has been missing and even spark a return to the assured form he once showed at Ajax and Inter Milan.
Feature image Buda Mendes via Getty Images
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