Why Manchester United should avoid signing Alex Meret
According to Daily Record, Manchester United are planning to make a move for Napoli shot-stopper Alex Meret ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that United could lose David de Gea or Dean Henderson this summer and Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to keep the depth in the goalkeeping department intact. It also states that the English giants had sent scouts to monitor the Italian youngster on several occasions this season.
Profile
Born in Italy, Meret, 23, rose through the ranks of Udinese’s youth system in his hometown. However, he struggled for regular game time and was used as an understudy to Orestis Karnezis. He then moved to SPAL on a two-year loan deal and came to prominence after he helped them get promoted to the top-flight.
He then joined Napoli in the summer of 2018 initially on a loan spell and despite playing below David Ospina in the pecking order, he has been in good form. His move to the Naples outfit was made permanent last summer and he made 22 league appearances this season.
He is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the country and also earned a call-up to the national squad last November as he made his debut in the 9-1 thrashing of Armenia.
United have plenty of options in goal
Spanish ace David De Gea has been the first-choice in goal under Solskjaer and has a contract with United until the summer of 2023. Though his high-profile errors have cost the team several points it is likely that he will remain as the No.1 for United.
Dean Henderson had an outstanding season with Sheffield United on loan and could compete with De Gea for the first-team spot next season. They have also a solid back-up in Argentina star Sergio Romero, who has done well whenever he has played.
Apart from that, Joel Pereira is also available at the manager’s disposal. Thus, signing Meret would make no sense at all.
The Italian could be seen as a future prospect but United have Henderson, who could take over the No.1 spot from the Spaniard. And signing Meret would only waste their resources. He may not be able to get a chance, with plenty of options available at Solskjaer’s disposal. This could hamper his progress.
Read more
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Verdict
United have plenty of options in goal and bringing in another goalkeeper doesn’t make any sense. They should manage to keep hold of Henderson for the future by sending him out on loan for another season. Thus, avoiding a move for Meret would be a wise decision for both the club and the player, who could develop himself elsewhere.
