Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Preston North End goalkeeper Freddie Woodman as they look to reshape their goalkeeping department ahead of the summer window.
According to the latest reports, United are targeting a domestic back-up option with Tom Heaton expected to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season. Woodman, who is out of contract at Deepdale in June, has emerged as a leading candidate for the role.
United Track Experienced Championship Stopper
The 28-year-old is currently sidelined with an ankle injury picked up over the international break, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign. However, that hasn’t deterred United, with scouts said to have been watching him prior to the injury.
“Manchester United were checking on him before he suffered the setback and remain interested despite the lack of game time before the summer.”
Freddie Woodman
Woodman began his career at Newcastle United, where his father was goalkeeping coach. He gained early experience through loans to Hartlepool United and Crawley Town, making 12 appearances for the latter. In 2017, Woodman joined Kilmarnock on loan, impressing with five clean sheets in 15 matches before leaving to play in the U-20 World Cup.
He made his Newcastle debut in January 2018 before a loan to Aberdeen. Despite strong performances, the arrival of Martin Dúbravka limited his chances. In 2019, he joined Swansea City on loan for two seasons, helping them to the play-offs.
Woodman began the 2021–22 season as Newcastle’s starter due to injuries but was dropped after errors against Manchester United. He later joined Bournemouth on loan in early 2022.
That summer, he signed a three-year deal with Preston North End, where he quickly became a key player. His standout performances earned him the club’s Player of the Year award in his debut season.
Aynsley Pears
Aynsley Pears began his senior journey with loan spells at Darlington in 2018, impressing with 5 clean sheets in 9 games, and later at Gateshead, where he made 45 appearances and earned Player’s Player of the Year. Pears debuted for Middlesbrough in an EFL Cup match and went on to make 25 appearances before joining Blackburn Rovers in October 2020.
Reuniting with former Boro manager Tony Mowbray, he made his Rovers debut shortly after. In October 2023, Pears suffered a foot injury in a match against Leicester City, forcing him off and giving Leopold Wahlstedt his first-team debut.
Writer’s View
Woodman ticks several boxes for United—a homegrown player, experienced, and available on a free transfer. While not a marquee name, he would offer reliability and depth behind André Onana. If Heaton departs as expected, this could prove a smart, low-risk move to address a key squad role.
