Manchester United Eyeing Move for Leeds United Goalkeeper Illan Meslier

Manchester United have identified Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier as a long-term replacement for David de Gea, as per reports. The Red Devils are trying to negotiate a deal with the Spaniard to extend his stay at Old Trafford, but are lining up options who could eventually replace him.

Manchester United are close to agreeing a new deal with David de Gea on lower wages. The 32-year-old’s current salary is £375,000-a-week, but the club are offering £200,000-a-week and are hopeful of signing an extension with the player. Nevertheless, the club are already preparing for the future and are looking at possible options.

Illan Meslier is regarded as one of the best young keepers in Europe right now and one to look out for. He has been making excellent saves for the Whites on a consistent basis. Leeds find themselves just one point above the relegation zone but still have time to recover and save their season. However, for such a turnover, the French keeper could prove to be one of their most important players.

According to The Sun, Manchester United have lined up for Leeds goalie Illan Meslier as De Gea’s successor in the long run. The Red Devils want to extend the Spaniard’s deal and are ready to wait for Meslier until the starting spot opens up, but the club would make a move if the Peacocks drop down to the Championship.

The Frenchman ranks sixth amongst the Premier League goalkeepers for number of saves made, even ahead of De Gea. Although Leeds United have struggled to keep clean sheets this season, Meslier has been doing his job diligently to save them from further embarrassment. He has made a good case for himself for top European clubs to monitor him closely.

Manchester United are looking at Leeds’ Illan Meslier as David de Gea's long-term replacement. [@reluctantnicko] pic.twitter.com/o0dR79tSQD

— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) February 18, 2023

The Red Devils had Sergio Romero and Dean Henderson as their second-choice and third-choice goalkeepers respectively at one point. However, Romero joined Boca Juniors last summer whereas Henderson is on loan at Nottingham Forest.

United signed Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle United but the Magpies recalled him in the January transfer window. The Red Devils currently have Tom Heaton as third choice and Jack Butland as the second-choice goalkeeper.

Is Illan Meslier the Right Choice for Manchester United?

Illan Meslier is one of the most tested goalkeepers in the Premier League and has displayed his ability with the way he has kept his side alive on multiple occasions. The French goalkeeper could be labelled as one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. He is only 22-years-old and there is still a lot of time for him to develop into an even better goalkeeper.

🙌 Illan Meslier! That's the tweet! pic.twitter.com/amsQ3rNzY4

— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 17, 2022

United manager Erik ten Hag prefers goalkeepers who are good at keeping the ball. David de Gea doesn’t exactly fit the bill but makes up for it by making unreal saves almost every other match. The Dutchman wants a keeper who commands his box, who can act as a sweeper to neutralise potential threats, and who stays calm and authoritative when pressured by the opposition.

The French shot-stopper is a perfect candidate as he checks all the boxes for Ten Hag’s system. Illan Meslier can pass short, allowing his team to build from the back and also has a good-kicker in him if the opposition forces Manchester United to play long balls. Meslier still needs to work on his confidence when on the ball and under pressure.

David de Gea has been consistently criticised for not sweeping his area and for lack of quality distribution. Although he has improved under Erik ten Hag, it would only help the Red Devils to have another goalkeeper with such qualities, so that the Spaniard feels challenged. De Gea could still keep playing at Manchester United for a long period, but the club need to have an option ready for the future.

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