Despite Signing Senne Lammens, Amorim Wants a Proven No.1 – Chelsea and United Both Eye Mike Maignan 🇫🇷
The transfer window never truly sleeps, and at Manchester United, the debate over the goalkeeper position has flared up once again. Despite signing Belgian keeper Senne Lammens only three weeks ago, manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly pushing for a more experienced number one.
The name at the top of his wishlist? Mike Maignan, AC Milan’s world-class French goalkeeper.
But United aren’t alone in this pursuit. Chelsea, who explored the option of signing Maignan previously, are considering reviving their interest. That sets up what could become a heavyweight Premier League tug-of-war for one of the finest shot-stoppers in Europe.
This raises the intriguing question: who needs Mike Maignan more—Manchester United or Chelsea?
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Manchester United: The Case for Maignan
United’s goalkeeping situation has been turbulent ever since David de Gea’s departure in 2023.
1. The Onana Question
The club invested heavily in André Onana, signing him from Inter Milan to bring ball-playing composure and command of the penalty area. Yet his time at Old Trafford has been inconsistent. While he’s made spectacular saves, there have also been costly errors—particularly in high-pressure Champions League games.
Onana has his admirers, but his fit at United remains debated. Amorim, who prizes solidity and quick distribution, might not be fully convinced that Onana alone can carry United forward.
2. Senne Lammens: A Project, Not a Solution
The arrival of Senne Lammens, a young Belgian goalkeeper, looked like a smart piece of business. Tall, commanding, and highly rated in scouting circles, Lammens has potential to become a future star. But potential isn’t enough for a club like United that demands success now.
Amorim knows that if he is to restore United to glory, he needs reliability between the sticks—not a development project who might come good in three years.
3. Why Maignan Fits
Maignan offers the best of both worlds:
Shot-stopping excellence – Among Europe’s elite in save percentage and big-game performances.
Leadership – A vocal organizer of the backline, something United desperately lack.
Experience at the top level – Proven in Serie A, Champions League, and on the international stage with France.
For a United side rebuilding under Amorim, Maignan could provide the stability and authority that anchors the team from the back.
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Chelsea: The Case for Maignan
Chelsea, meanwhile, have also been in goalkeeping limbo for some time.
1. The Kepa and Mendy Saga
After spending big on Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea saw him struggle with confidence and consistency. His eventual loan to Real Madrid highlighted how far he had fallen in the club’s pecking order.
Édouard Mendy briefly provided stability, but he too lost form and departed for Saudi Arabia.
2. The Djordje Petrović Experiment
Currently, Chelsea are placing faith in Djordje Petrović, a talented keeper signed from MLS side New England Revolution. While he has impressed at times, questions remain about whether he is elite enough for a club with Chelsea’s ambitions.
Like Lammens at United, Petrović feels more like a promising gamble than a definitive solution.
3. Why Maignan Fits Chelsea
Chelsea’s young, evolving squad under Enzo Maresca needs a steady, world-class presence at the back. With defenders like Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, and Malo Gusto still maturing, a commanding keeper like Maignan could tie everything together.
He would instantly become a statement signing, projecting Chelsea’s ambition to get back into Europe’s elite competitions.
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Maignan Himself: What Does He Want?
From Maignan’s perspective, the next move in his career must be carefully considered. At AC Milan, he is adored by fans and recognized as one of Serie A’s finest. Yet, the lure of the Premier League—its prestige, financial rewards, and global spotlight—is hard to ignore.
Both United and Chelsea offer big stages, but the contexts differ:
At United, he would walk into a project under Amorim that is desperate to restore historic dominance. He would be seen as a missing piece in a puzzle.
At Chelsea, he would join a younger squad still in transition, but one being rebuilt with long-term vision and heavy investment. He could be the cornerstone of their next generation.
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Who Needs Maignan More?
United’s Argument
Immediate necessity. Onana’s inconsistencies mean United can’t rely fully on their current No.1.
Amorim’s demands. A proven leader like Maignan suits the manager’s philosophy of strong defensive structure.
Fan expectation. United fans crave stability after years of goalkeeper debates post-De Gea.
Chelsea’s Argument
Ongoing uncertainty. Chelsea still haven’t found their true heir in goal since the departure of Petr Čech over a decade ago.
Project building. With a young squad, Maignan’s maturity and leadership could accelerate progress.
Consistency. Petrović is promising, but Maignan is already world-class.
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The Financial Factor
Maignan won’t come cheap. AC Milan would likely demand £70–80 million, especially given the growing competition. For both clubs, the fee represents a heavy outlay—but one that might be justified for a decade-defining goalkeeper.
United’s challenge: Balancing financial fair play after recent heavy investments in attackers and midfielders. They would probably need to offload a goalkeeper (likely Dean Henderson permanently) or make tough squad calls.
Chelsea’s challenge: Their spending spree under Todd Boehly has already drawn FFP scrutiny. Adding another big-money signing could complicate their books unless they sell high-profile players.
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Who Wins the Battle?
If both clubs go all-in, the battle for Maignan may come down to:
1. Champions League football. Players of Maignan’s calibre want to compete at the very top. The club offering him guaranteed Champions League nights is more attractive.
2. Project clarity. Maignan will ask: Which project is more likely to deliver trophies in the next three years? Amorim’s United or Maresca’s Chelsea?
3. Financial package. Wages, bonuses, and role as undisputed No.1 will also influence his decision.
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The Verdict: Who Needs Him More? 🤔
While Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation is far from settled, Manchester United need Mike Maignan more urgently.
Here’s why:
United already rolled the dice with Onana and haven’t found consistency. Amorim doesn’t want to gamble further.
Chelsea can arguably stick with Petrović and give him time; United cannot afford patience in a rebuilding era.
Maignan would give United instant authority at the back, possibly saving them 10–15 points a season—something vital in the race for Champions League football.
That said, Chelsea’s interest cannot be ignored. If they move aggressively, they could force United into a bidding war that inflates Maignan’s price beyond comfort.
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Final Thoughts
The goalkeeper debate at Manchester United refuses to die. Three weeks after signing Senne Lammens, Amorim’s push for a proven No.1 shows just how much urgency he feels to steady the ship. Mike Maignan, world-class and battle-hardened, is the dream candidate.
Chelsea’s potential involvement makes this story even juicier. Two giants of English football, both desperate for stability, circling the same prize.
But when all is said and done, the club that needs Maignan most right now is Manchester United. For them, he isn’t just a luxury signing—he’s a potential game-changer.
The question remains: will the Red Devils move decisively, or will Chelsea swoop in first?
One thing is certain: whichever club lands Mike Maignan will have solved their goalkeeper conundrum for the next five years.
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