Atletico Madrid star Jan Oblak ‘main target’ for Manchester United from three-man goalkeeping shortlist
Manchester United have identified Atletico Madrid star Jan Oblak as the ‘main target’ from the club’s three-man goalkeeping shortlist, according to Spanish Fichajes (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The Red Devils are looking to sign a new goalkeeper next year and the Slovenia international is the club’s preferred choice. Other names that the Old Trafford side are eyeing include Borussia Monchengladbach’s Yann Sommer and Benfica shot-stopper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
United are thinking of replacing David de Gea and the 29-year-old Oblak currently playing in Spain is the leading choice at the moment. However, the 32-year-old has been in fine form for the Red Devils since last season.
The Spaniard joined the Old Trafford side from Atletico in the summer of 2011. He was immediately given the reins in between the sticks for the club.
However, it took De Gea a few years to settle into his role in Manchester. In the end, the 32-year-old turned into one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
While the Spaniard did have a patchy period in the middle, he has been impressive for some time now. In the current campaign, the shot-stopper has once again showcased why he is still the first choice at United.
Similarly, Oblak has been on top of his game for several years. He signed for Atletico in the summer of 2014. The Slovenian is in the conversation of the best goalkeeper as well.
However, with Erik ten Hag at the helm, playing the ball out from the back seems to be crucial to the Dutch manager’s style of play. Unfortunately, De Gea and Oblak both leave a lot to be desired in that regard.
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Thus, unless the club plan to replace our current number one with someone that would fit Ten Hag’s system, it does not seem wise to spend on a new shot-stopper. Rather, investing on a new striker would go a long way in strengthening the team before we address other areas.
