Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Daniel Bachmann admits Man Utd contact as first move made for Dean Henderson replacement

Daniel Bachmann Watford 2022 TEAMtalk1

Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann admits Manchester United have been in contact about a possible move but insists he has options to join other clubs.

The Red Devils are in the market for a new keeper, with Dean Henderson set to depart this summer. The 25-year-old barely gets a look in at Old Trafford and knows he must seek another club in order to add to his one England cap. Newcastle United are thought to head his list of suitors as they look to bolster their ranks in the off-season.

His departure would leave new United boss Erik ten Hag needing a back-up to David de Gea. The Dutchman has a busy summer ahead of him, with several positions needing strengthening.

His main keeper remains top class but recruiting an understudy will be key. Bachmann, 27, has been with the Hornets since July 2017 but played only 41 games.

The Austria international has spent time on loan with Wrexham, Ross County, Bury and Kilmarnock. However, he is still relatively inexperienced, having made only 99 appearances in his career to date.

Nevertheless, Manchester United officials have clearly seen something they like in the former Stoke City youth player. And he confirmed that the north-west giants had been in touch.

“There was contact, it wasn’t pulled out of thin air,” he told Sky Sport Austria. “I don’t know whether the team boss [Rangnick] has a say in transfer matters.

“Several clubs have shown interest in me – but the most intensive contacts have come from Manchester. It is a massive honour for a club like that to be interested in you.”

Bachmann not intimidated by De Gea class

Bachman still has time on his hands to make it is a regular number one goalkeeper. He has played second fiddle on many occasions throughout his seven years as a professional.

That would also be the case at the Theatre of Dreams. But the man with 12 Austria caps would relish the challenge of displacing the Spaniard.

“I would be second choice behind David de Gea, who has been one of the Premier League’s best keepers for years,” he added. “But anything can happen in football. The performance principle applies. As a result, even big stars can sit on the subs’ bench.”

Erik ten Hag, new Man Utd manager, told to target West Ham forward. Photo shows Ten Hag speaks to the media during his spell as Ajax boss

Ten Hag has a full in-tray at Old Trafford and more pressing issues than a number two keeper to deal with. But injuries happen and he will want to make sure he has a top-class custodian on the bench.

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