Man Utd ‘make contact’ with Man City over shock player in problem position ahead of extraordinary transfer

Manchester United have reportedly made an unexpected move by reaching out to Manchester City regarding a potential deal for goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, as manager Ruben Amorim works to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, Amorim is determined to reshape his team. United’s pre-season tour in the United States, where they are participating in the Premier League Summer Series alongside Everton, West Ham, and Bournemouth, is providing the manager with a chance to assess his squad ahead of the new season.

The club has already added new faces, including Bryan Mbeumo, Diego Leon, and Matheus Cunha, but work is still ongoing in the transfer market. While the Red Devils have been linked with attacking options like Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, attention has now turned to the goalkeeping department.

First-choice keeper Andre Onana is currently sidelined with an injury, raising questions about United’s depth between the sticks. Recent reports suggest that United are also monitoring Newcastle’s Nick Pope and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma as possible reinforcements.

However, the biggest surprise came when Football Transfers revealed that United have contacted the representatives of Stefan Ortega, who has largely played a backup role to Ederson at Manchester City. Though no formal bid has been submitted, the interest marks a rare moment of potential transfer business between the two Manchester rivals.

Ortega, aged 32, has a contract with City running until 2026 and has made 56 appearances since joining from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022. He is best remembered for a critical save against Tottenham’s Son Heung-min during City’s 2023/24 title run, a moment that arguably sealed their Premier League triumph over Arsenal.

But with James Trafford returning from Burnley and Marcus Bettinelli joining as another backup, City have reportedly given Ortega the green light to find a new club this summer. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news, stating City have informed the German shot-stopper that he is free to leave.

If United push forward with this deal, it could mark one of the most surprising inter-club transfers in recent Premier League memory, especially between such fierce rivals.