Manchester United target free-agent Angus Gunn as backup goalkeeper after Scotland's World Cup exit

Manchester United are targeting Angus Gunn as a potential backup goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, with the Scotland international available on a free transfer after his release from Nottingham Forest.

Gunn, 30, started all three of Scotland’s group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup despite managing only a single appearance for Forest during his one-year stay at the City Ground. Scotland’s campaign ended in disappointment, with a 3-0 defeat to Brazil leaving Steve Clarke’s side with a minus-three goal difference that makes progression as one of the eight best third-placed teams unlikely.

United’s interest is partly rooted in a personal connection: Gunn came through Manchester City’s academy during a period when Red Devils director of football Jason Wilcox was a coach and later head of the academy. Gunn departed City in 2018 following a loan spell at Norwich — the club where his father Bryan was playing when Angus was born — before joining Southampton and then Norwich on a permanent basis.

The search for a new No.2 has been prompted by United’s plan to sell both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana, who spent last season on loan. Tom Heaton, 40, is not considered a suitable long-term understudy for first-choice keeper Senne Lammens, who impressed throughout his debut campaign. Leeds United’s Karl Darlow, 35, and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone, 33 — himself a United academy product — are also on the club’s radar, though Darlow is currently in talks over a new deal at Elland Road.

Goalkeeper recruitment is secondary to United’s primary focus in midfield, where Michael Carrick is looking to strengthen. A move for Elliot Anderson has stalled after Newcastle valued the midfielder at £130 million, a fee United are unwilling to meet. Mateus Fernandes appears to be heading to Tottenham instead, with Spurs ready to pay up to £80 million. Atalanta’s Ederson, however, is expected to join United for around £35 million once the World Cup concludes.