Manchester United have added Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn to their shortlist for a new No.2 following his World Cup starts and recent release by Nottingham Forest. At 30 and available on a free transfer, Gunn offers experience and academy pedigree, but would almost certainly be signed as a backup to Senne Lammens amid broader reshaping of United’s goalkeeping ranks this summer.
United eye Angus Gunn as backup to Senne Lammens
Manchester United have reportedly identified Angus Gunn as a candidate to bolster their goalkeeping depth after a season of shake-ups at the position. The Scotland international, 30, started all three of his nation’s World Cup group matches and is available on a free transfer after leaving Nottingham Forest.
Why Gunn is on United’s radar
Gunn’s profile fits a low-cost, experienced understudy: Premier League experience, international caps and a background at Manchester City’s academy. His immediate availability removes a transfer fee barrier, making him an attractive short-term option to complement Senne Lammens, who enjoyed a standout debut season as United’s first-choice keeper.
Gunn’s recent form and context
Despite scant club minutes at Forest, Gunn remained Scotland’s No.1 through the World Cup campaign. That international trust underscores his reliability in cup and emergency situations, though his lack of regular club action raises questions about sharpness across a long domestic season.
Implications for United’s goalkeeper hierarchy
If United move for Gunn, he would almost certainly be recruited as a clear No.2 rather than a contender to displace Lammens. The club has undergone substantial goalkeeper turnover: last season’s backup structure is being reworked, with plans to move on Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana, and uncertainty around Radek Vitek’s permanent role after his promising loan spell.
Why Tom Heaton isn’t viewed as the answer
At 40, Tom Heaton is considered unlikely to be the long-term understudy for a young, ascending Lammens. United appear intent on naming a keeper who can provide reliable cover while still offering some longevity, experience and readiness to perform if called upon.
Other goalkeeping targets on the shortlist
United’s search reportedly includes veterans such as Karl Darlow and Sam Johnstone, both with Premier League experience and ties to United’s academy system. Those names indicate the club is prioritising immediate availability, familiarity with English football and low-cost moves rather than high-fee signings.
Broader transfer context: midfield and recruitment priorities
Although goalkeeping is active business, midfield remains Manchester United’s top summer priority under Michael Carrick. The club’s pursuit of targets has already encountered obstacles: high valuations for some young talents and competition from rival clubs. Simultaneously, United are expected to press ahead with at least one incoming signing from Atalanta, with a fee reported in the mid tens of millions — a move that would signal parallel investment across the spine of the team.
What this means and what comes next
Pursuing Gunn would be pragmatic: minimal financial outlay, established international experience and the ability to slot into a hierarchal setup behind Lammens. The trade-off is match sharpness and whether United prefer a younger, developmental No.2 or a seasoned stop-gap. Expect clarity on United’s goalkeeper decisions as the transfer window progresses and as the club finalises its plans for outgoing keepers.
Final analysis
Adding Angus Gunn would be a low-risk, high-reliability solution tailored to Manchester United’s current needs — cover for a rising No.1 without blocking longer-term goalkeeper projects.
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The move would reflect a pragmatic recruitment phase: prioritise squad stability and depth while continuing to hunt for midfield reinforcements and targeted upgrades across the summer.
Mirror
