Ten Hag targets Robby McCrorie to solve quickly-developing squad problem

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Robby McCrorie saves a shot by Martin Boyle while playing for Livingston against Hibernian, February 2020

Manchester United are keen on signing Rangers goalkeeper Robby McCrorie to bolster their ranks between the sticks, a report has claimed.

Amid the scrutiny of the United team, goalkeeping is one area they have – internally at least – had no concerns in. Despite David de Gea’s poor form in seasons gone by, he has maintained his first-choice role.

And that will not change next season following a campaign in which he was one of the club’s standout players. However, De Gea’s form has caused a domino effect lower down the pecking order.

Second-choice Man Utd stopper Dean Henderson has become frustrated at his continued struggles for game time. The 25-year-old is therefore in talks over a move to Nottingham Forest.

Behind him, Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder wants veteran stopper Tom Heaton to aid their promotion push. As a result, United have suddenly pushed a new goalkeeper up their transfer priority list.

And according to The Sun, Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag has his eyes on Rangers star McCrorie to fill the void.

The 24-year-old is a regular Scotland Under-21 international but earned a senior call-up for the recent Nations League matches.

McCrorie remained on the bench, though, as he did for most of the season with Rangers. Indeed, he was in the squad for every match of Rangers’ run to the Europa League final but did not play a minute.

As he is entering the final year of his contract, Rangers could well sell him to avoid losing him for free next summer.

Their goalkeeping ranks are secure, with Jon McLaughlin taking over from Allan McGregor ahead of next season. McGregor, 40, has transfer interest from the United Arab Emirates.

The Sun adds that McCrorie has interest from both Scotland and England, with United firmly in the hunt for him.

McCrorie may suffer similar fate

United will need a new back-up goalkeeper if Henderson and Heaton both leave.

However, McCrorie may suffer the same fate as the former two if he moves to Old Trafford.

De Gea rediscovered his best form last season and, despite the club’s problems conceding goals, the situation would undoubtedly have been worse without the Spaniard.

De Gea will want to impress Ten Hag and cement his status as Man Utd’s number one with the new manager.

A move to Old Trafford may appeal to McCrorie, but ultimately he may not get as much game time as he wants.