# Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils Target Botafogo Star John Amid Onana Doubts

The latest **Manchester United transfer news** indicates that the club’s recruitment department has identified a potential new target between the sticks, with Botafogo’s goalkeeper John Victor Maciel Furtado, simply known as John, emerging as a surprise candidate. Scouts from the Old Trafford club have reportedly been impressed by the 28-year-old’s commanding performances in Brazil, prompting considerations of a move to provide stern competition, or even a long-term replacement, for current number one, Andre Onana.

The interest from Manchester United stems from a season of inconsistency for Onana, who arrived from Inter Milan for a significant fee of £47.2 million. While the Cameroonian has shown flashes of the brilliant ball-playing ability that convinced Erik ten Hag to sign him, his debut campaign has been marred by a series of high-profile errors in crucial Premier League and Champions League matches. This has led the club’s new hierarchy under INEOS to evaluate all areas of the squad, with the goalkeeping position now under unexpected scrutiny. John, who only joined Botafogo permanently in January 2024, has quickly established himself as one of the top keepers in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, making him an intriguing and potentially cost-effective option for the Red Devils.

## Assessing the Latest Manchester United Transfer News on John

The reports linking John to Manchester United are more than just speculative whispers; they are rooted in a strategic shift in the club’s recruitment policy. The focus is increasingly on identifying players who offer both quality and value, and John fits this profile perfectly. Having developed at the famed Santos academy—the same institution that produced Neymar and Rodrygo—John possesses a strong technical foundation. His standout loan spell at Internacional in 2023, where he was instrumental in their run to the Copa Libertadores semi-finals, put him on the radar of several European clubs.

United’s scouts have been monitoring his progress since his subsequent move to Botafogo. They have been particularly impressed by his strong reflexes, dominance in the penalty area, and composure under pressure. Standing at an imposing 6’4″, he has the physical presence often desired in the Premier League. Unlike Onana, whose primary strength is his footwork, John is considered a more traditional, yet modernised, shot-stopper. His reliability and consistency are attributes that United have arguably lacked in the goalkeeping department this season, making the ongoing **Manchester United transfer news** surrounding him a logical development.

### The Andre Onana Conundrum

To understand the interest in John, one must first analyze the situation with Andre Onana. Signed to be the cornerstone of Ten Hag’s build-from-the-back philosophy, Onana replaced a club legend in David de Gea. However, his tenure has been a rollercoaster. While his passing range is elite, his shot-stopping has been questioned following costly mistakes against teams like Galatasaray and Bayern Munich in the Champions League, which contributed to United’s early exit.

The club is not looking to sell Onana so soon after a major investment. Instead, the pursuit of a player like John is seen as a move to introduce genuine competition. The presence of a capable and ambitious number two would push Onana to elevate his game and eliminate the costly errors. It would also provide Ten Hag with a reliable alternative should Onana’s form dip or if he is unavailable due to injury or international commitments. This strategy of fostering internal competition is a hallmark of successful clubs and something INEOS is keen to implement across the squad.

### Who is John Victor? A Deeper Dive

John Victor Maciel Furtado began his career at Santos, where he was highly rated but struggled for consistent first-team opportunities behind established keepers. His career truly took off during his loan at Internacional, where he demonstrated his class on a continental stage. His performances earned him a permanent transfer to Botafogo, a club with lofty ambitions. According to his official player profile on ESPN, he has cemented his place as the undisputed number one.

His key strengths include:
* **Shot-Stopping:** Excellent reflexes and a strong ability to make crucial saves.
* **Command of Area:** Uses his height and presence to dominate his box, confidently claiming crosses and high balls.
* **Experience:** Has played in high-pressure games in both the Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores.
* **Value:** His market value is significantly lower than that of top-tier European goalkeepers, making him a low-risk, high-reward signing.

While he may not possess Onana’s elite distribution skills, his passing is reliable and he is comfortable with the ball at his feet, ensuring he would not be a complete departure from Ten Hag’s tactical requirements. The potential transfer represents a calculated risk, betting on a player in his prime who is eager to prove himself on the biggest stage. As the summer window approaches, keep an eye on this developing story and check back here for more news and analysis.