Manchester United Prep For Possible Goalkeeping Void With Meret

KEY POINTS

Manchester United is considering Alex Meret of Napoli for goalkeeping needs, a report said
Dean Henderson unlikely to be utilized if he returns to Old Trafford
David De Gea remains Solskjaer's first-choice goalkeeper

Manchester United has been linked to S.S.C. Napoli keeper Alex Meret as the club prepares for the possibility of David de Gea or Dean Henderson leaving.

United is in a bit of a mess right now in the goalkeeping position. De Gea may still be there, but his performance has been hit as of late. Henderson is an option, but taking the no. 1 spot from De Gea is not a certainty. Hence, the name of Meret has cropped up as a potential target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Should De Gea walk, United could target Napoli's Meret, sources told ESPN. Even if the Spanish goalie stays, Solskjaer may give De Gea a push to perform better. Meret could compete for the starting spot or take it altogether if De Gea chooses to leave.

The Italian football player is one of the rising young talents at the goalkeeping position and may prefer a first-team role. There is no telling if he would be open to a backup role, a position that currently belongs to Sergio Romero.

De Gea has come under fire for his miscues, a reason why Solskjaer's insistence to stick with him has also been highly criticized. However, that may only hold up to the end of the season. A looming possibility is seeing the 29-year-old move out, though critics perceive it as low. It all depends on how long Solskjaer will hold out for the under-fire goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, Henderson is through playing backup. Sheffield United is open to keeping him, but calls have been made for him to take over from De Gea. The 23-year-old made it clear that he would only return to Old Trafford or play for any other team if he is the first-choice goalkeeper.

Worth considering as well is that Henderson has options. If not with Sheffield, Chelsea F.C. has been linked to the 23-year-old shot-stopper. Frank Lampard is not content with the performance of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero, and the name of English goalkeeper has been suggested.

For now, De Gea is the main goalkeeper for Solskjaer despite error-filled last games. Henderson is an option but unlikely to get that starting nod. Sheffield remains his main option unless Lampard comes up with an enticing offer to lure him to Stamford Bridge.