Manchester United explored the idea of signing Mike Maignan, but AC Milan warded off interest with a €100 million asking price.
According to The Athletic, AC Milan may have warded off Manchester United’s interest in Mike Maignan with an astronomical asking price. The Serie A giants wanted €100 million for the 28-year-old French international, as they were uninterested in parting ways with their star man.
Manchester United’s goalkeeping chase took them towards different options. Many players featured on Erik ten Hag’s shortlist, which also included keeping David de Gea for the upcoming season. However, the Spaniard left the club after the contract debacle involving him signing the new deal, only for the club to pull the offer away.
From a tactical perspective, Manchester United had to move away from de Gea at some stage, and there is not too much disappointment in watching the Spaniard go. Even before the decision was made with the experienced goalkeeper, the club explored other options.
While they ended up signing Andre Onana in a €55 million deal, including bonuses and had to dig their heels deep to convince Inter Milan to sell at that price. They were seeking much more than that, but Ten Hag’s persistence paved the way to reunite with his former keeper.
Another keeper that Manchester United explored was Mike Maignan, playing at AC Milan. The 28-year-old French international was of key interest to many clubs, including Chelsea, who are still looking for a new stopper.
AC Milan quoted €100 million to suitors who were keen on Maignan. The Serie A giants may have sold the 28-year-old French international for less had they kept hold of Sandro Tonali. The latter joined Newcastle United in a €70 million move, which made the need to sell the keeper a lesser priority.
Either way, Manchester United may not have paid that kind of money, which would have been a record sum for a goalkeeper. In any case, fans are pleased they found a goalkeeper in Onana that massively improves the position between the sticks.
Also Read: Man for the job: Ruthless Erik ten Hag a cut above at Manchester United
As for Maignan, no club could enter the chase at that price unless they are prepared to pay massive sums to entice the 28-year-old French international. Chelsea are one of the sides still keen, and we will have to see if they make an offer at some stage during this window.
