Manchester United attention drifts to experienced Championship shot-stopper amid Sommer concern
Tim Krul is the latest goalkeeper under consideration by Manchester United amid fears that Yann Sommer might not settle for a backup role, according to reports.
Manchester United are in the market for a new goalkeeper to provide competition for David De Gea this summer. They allowed Dean Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on loan earlier in the transfer window.
It has left them with just the veteran Tom Heaton in support of De Gea. With that in mind, the club have been looking for a new main deputy to the Spaniard.
Their priority target in that regard has become Sommer. The Switzerland international would be a high-profile addition from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Indeed, he is not that far off De Gea’s level himself. Therefore, there are some concerns that he might not want to accept a bench role – especially with the World Cup on the horizon.
With that in mind, Manchester United have been expanding their shortlist. According to The Sun, another goalkeeper they are now considering is Tim Krul.
The 34-year-old is still with Norwich City after their relegation to the Championship. He was their main goalkeeper in the Premier League last season and has started all five of their league matches in the second tier this term so far.
But The Sun believe Manchester United are considering him as a potential backup to De Gea. It would mean the former Newcastle man would have to sacrifice regular gametime, but would be back at Premier League level.
Another relegated keeper, Watford’s Daniel Bachmann, remains on the Red Devils’ shortlist. But Sommer is the main option for the time being.
If they cannot get him, Krul could come into sharper focus before the end of the transfer window on September 1. The Dutch international is under contract at Carrow Road until 2024.
Tim Krul could be more realistic than Sommer
If Manchester United are specifically looking for a backup goalkeeper, then it might be more likely for them to get Krul than Sommer.
Although Krul has been Norwich’s first choice for four full seasons, he has been a deputy before. For example, he spent the 2017-18 season on Brighton’s bench.
His last full season with Newcastle, 2015-16, also brought limited involvement. Therefore, taking a step back to take a step up might be something to consider.
It would be a difficult decision, but at his age, many goalkeepers come to a similar realisation. At the end of the day, only he knows how much he has left in the tank as a regular starter between the sticks.
And it may suit United to target someone of his age if they are to welcome Henderson back next summer. But the club can only think of the short-term at present, given the proximity to the transfer deadline.
Could there be time for them to swoop for Krul? They have a week and a bit to come to a decision.
