Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp confirmed that he has turned down an offer to join Manchester United and in turn, rejected the chance to compete with David de Gea for the number one spot.
It is no secret that with Dean Henderson departing Old Trafford this summer, the Red Devils are desperate to bring in a new shot-stopper to provide cover and challenge De Gea for the starting position in between the sticks.
German international Trapp quickly emerged as the club’s top target, however, the 32-year-old revealed he decided against a move to United - announcing the news on Instagram.
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The Red Devils can't be blamed for allowing Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan. The player clearly did not want to be at the club anymore, so the correct decision - especially considering his controversial interview once his loan move was confirmed - was to let the Englishman go.
However, it did, and still does, leave Erik ten Hag with somewhat of a transfer headache. The club need a competent No. 2, and given De Gea's shaky start to the season, they probably need him sooner rather than later.
The Spaniard has conceded seven goals in the opening four games of the season, enduring a particularly woeful afternoon in the 4-0 defeat to Brentford.
He has once again come under criticism for his ability to play out from the back, with many suggesting that in order to get the best out of Ten Hag's system, United need to bring in an option who is more adept with the ball at his feet.
While United are actively looking to recruit another goalkeeper, the club's main priority has been the acquisition of Antony from Ajax, with a deal expected to be completed soon.
The Red Devils are in need of attacking reinforcements, and the signing of Antony will help to bolster an attacking unit that could certainly benefit from an extra body.
Although it is important that the club sign Antony and even another forward in the remaining days of the transfer window, it is just as important that United add another goalkeeper to their ranks.
Tom Heaton, who has recorded just one appearance since resigning for the club last summer, was seemingly recruited as the number three - and with so much experience under his belt, that was certainly a signing that benefitted all parties.
However, should De Gea pick up an injury, or Ten Hag decides to drop the shot-stopper, United are light in the goalkeeping department. While it might not appear to be a major issue while the Spaniard is fit, it could prove to be one if he does get injured.
If Trapp does not want to make the move to Old Trafford, United should - as they appear to have done - simply move on and look elsewhere.
The Red Devils are interested in a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on loan for the rest of the season. The shot-stopper has slipped down the pecking order at St James’ Park following the arrival of Nick Pope from Burnley, but his performances and consistency for the Magpies can't be ignored.
The 33-year-old is said to be keen on the move to Old Trafford, which could prove to be a deciding factor as the transfer clock continues to tick.
Should United opt to focus all their attention on signing Antony and maybe even another attacking player, you would struggle to blame the club. Yet, the need to recruit a competent No.2 cannot be ignored - and if United do, the consequences could prove to be detrimental in the long run.
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