According to Calcimercato, Manchester United have expressed interest in signing AC Milan shot-stopper Mike Maignan this summer. The Red Devils have even approached his agent in recent months with an attractive five-year contract.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper progressed through PSG’s junior ranks before going to Lille, where he developed a reputation as an exceptional reflex shot-stopper with a preference for saving penalty kicks.
He was awarded the best goalkeeper award in Ligue 1 for the 2018–19 campaign as Lille defied the odds to defeat PSG and win the league the following year.
After losing their star player Gianluigi Donnarumma to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, AC Milan lost no time in signing Maignan from Lille in 2020 for just €14 million. They’ve definitely discovered the ideal substitute for the Italian international. Maignan didn’t need much time to establish himself as the Rossoneri’s starter and a staunch fan favourite.
The Frenchman is crucial to Stefano Pioli’s style of play because of his excellent ball distribution, which helps Milan’s quick build-up play or occasionally even starts their attacking moves from the back.
He is also very good at controlling the box and making important stops when they are needed most, especially in one-on-one scenarios. It makes sense that Milan’s Scudetto victory last season was attributed to their stern backline.
The French international, who is now regarded as one of the best five goalkeepers in the world, has a lengthy list of admirers, particularly in the Premier League, where Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and the wealthy Newcastle United are all fighting for his services.
United can not afford to pass up the opportunity to buy Maignan. The Red Devils have the option to extend David De Gea’s contract by one additional year, although it is scheduled to expire in the summer of 2023.
It is the ideal opportunity for United to reduce their salary bill significantly and restructure the playing roster in line with Erik ten Hag’s plans. Maignan would help the manager in getting a player that fits his style of play.
The report also states that United have a slim chance of acquiring the player because the player’s agents will not consider offers from clubs outside of the Champions League.
The French goalkeeper’s current contract will expire in June 2026. Therefore, if Milan loses its No. 1 goalkeeper, the club may be able to demand a big transfer fee for their player.
