Manchester United linked with Anthony Patterson move as Tony Coton shows interest in Sunderland stopper

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Manchester United have a clear first-choice goalkeeper in place but are still eyeing up more competition for Andre Onana.

David De Gea’s exit in 2023 left Manchester United needing to find a new first-choice stopper.

In came Andre Onana from Inter Milan, completing a reunion with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

There have been ups and downs for Onana along the way, but United appear to have a settled goalkeeper right now.

United fans are largely happy with the Cameroonian’s displays this season despite being left exposed by those ahead of him.

United remain in the market for another goalkeeper though, potentially with a view to replacing Altay Bayindir down the line.

• READ MORE: Who is Andre Onana? Delve into the life of Manchester United’s Cameroonian shot-stopper

Manchester United want Anthony Patterson

Bayindir has barely been seen in a United shirt since signing from Fenerbahce in 2023.

The Turkiye international may well fancy moving on for first-team action elsewhere in 2025 and United need to have goalkeeping signings in mind just in case.

The Sun’s Alan Nixon now reports that United have Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson on the wish list.

It’s stated that United’s goalkeeping scout Tony Coton is taking a very close look at Patterson with a view to a potential move.

Patterson would give United a homegrown option between the sticks and his displays for Sunderland appear to have impressed.

The 24-year-old has one England Under-21 cap to his name and was hailed as ‘brilliant’ when former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray spoke to A Love Supreme.

Patterson has started all seven Championship games for Sunderland this season, playing a key role in their superb start to the season.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Tony Coton connection

Coton’s involvement here could be crucial.

Coton has served as United’s goalkeeping scout for more than four years having arrived from Sunderland.

The former goalkeeper spent two years in the recruitment team at the Stadium of Light and will certainly be aware of Patterson’s talent from his time on Wearside.

Coton now appears to be checking up on Patterson, studying his improvement and development since emerging as a young talent at Sunderland.

That connection could prove pivotal in any United chase of Patterson, but we would be surprised to see him emerge as a priority in January.

Bayindir’s future is the key here but with a summer exit more likely than a January departure, Patterson may just be a name to keep tabs on ahead of next season for now.