Man Utd given huge boost in hunt for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor after losing Andre Onana to injury

FBL-BRA-BOTAFOGO-SAO PAULO

Manchester United have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Botafogo keeper John Victor after Andre Onana suffered an injury ahead of pre-season.

Matheus Mendes, América-MG

WHAT HAPPENED

Botafogo are preparing for the possible departure of John Victor, who has received an offer from Manchester United in light of Onana's injury, who suffered a hamstring injury and will miss the pre-season. Botafogo have made enquiries about the situation of Matheus Mendes, who belongs to Atletico Mineiro and is on loan to America-MG, as GOAL Brazil has learned.

Andre Onana Man Utd 2024-25

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Onana reported for pre-season training at Carrington earlier this week, but unfortunately suffered a hamstring injury during one of the training sessions. Subsequently, he is set to miss at least six to eight weeks on the sidelines, which means head coach Ruben Amorim will not have the Cameroonian for the Red Devils' opening game of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Botafogo, as such, have been searching for a goalkeeper since learning of the possible departure of Victor, who is being targeted by United to compensate for Onana's absence. United would be willing to pay the player's release clause to take him from General Severiano in the transfer market — the contract stipulates a payment of £6 million ($8m) for the sale of the 29-year-old goalkeeper.

Matheus Mendes, América-MG

DID YOU KNOW?

Amorim is going after a new goalkeeper, after all, with speculation linking Onana to a potential summer departure. Man Utd are reported to be interested in bringing in Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa this summer. Per reports, United have set a £30m (€35m/$41m) price tag to let Onana leave.

Rubem Amorim Manchester United 2025

WHAT NEXT?

After playing their first summer friendly against Leeds United in Stockholm on July 19, Manchester United are set to travel to the United States for the second part of their pre-season later this month.