Manchester United have begun evaluating teenage Polish goalkeeper Adrian Janusz, a free agent currently on trial with the club’s Under-21 setup, as they explore options to strengthen their goalkeeping depth. The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of first-choice keeper Andre Onana and the club’s broader strategy to future-proof the position heading into the 2026 season.
Janusz, 19, previously spent time with Newcastle United and Brentford’s youth systems but is currently unattached. He was recently spotted on the bench during Manchester United U21’s 2-1 win over Everton, signaling active involvement in the club’s development squad. While he did not feature in the match, insiders suggest the coaching staff are closely monitoring his training performances and temperament.
Manchester United Goalkeeper Trial – Adrian Janusz Profile
| Attribute | Details | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Adrian Janusz | Polish youth international |
| Age | 19 | Eligible for U21 and senior squad |
| Previous Clubs | Newcastle U19, Brentford Academy | Released in mid-2025 |
| Trial Status | Active with Man Utd U21 | Bench appearance vs Everton |
| Position | Goalkeeper | Right-footed, 6’2” tall |
The trial comes at a time when Manchester United are reassessing their goalkeeping hierarchy. Andre Onana, signed for £47 million from Inter Milan, has faced criticism for inconsistent performances, while backup Altay Bayındır has yet to make a significant impact. Veteran Tom Heaton remains a third-choice option, and summer signing Senne Lammens recently made his debut in a 2-0 win over Sunderland, earning praise for his composure and distribution.
United’s interest in Janusz appears to be part of a broader strategy to identify young, high-potential talent who can be developed within the club’s system. Sources close to Carrington suggest that Janusz has impressed with his reflexes, ball-handling, and maturity during training sessions.
Manchester United Goalkeeper Depth – 2025–26 Season
| Player Name | Role | Age | Contract Status | Recent Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Onana | First-choice GK | 29 | Until 2028 | Mixed form, under scrutiny |
| Altay Bayındır | Backup GK | 25 | Until 2027 | Limited appearances |
| Tom Heaton | Third-choice GK | 39 | Final season | Mentorship role |
| Senne Lammens | Developmental GK | 22 | Until 2029 | Debut clean sheet vs Sunderland |
| Adrian Janusz | Trialist | 19 | Free agent | Under evaluation |
Peter Schmeichel, United’s legendary goalkeeper, commented on Lammens’ debut and Janusz’s trial, saying, “It’s good to see young goalkeepers getting opportunities. The pressure at United is immense, and only a few can handle it. But you need to start somewhere.”
Janusz’s potential signing would not be expected to impact the senior squad immediately but could offer long-term value. United have a history of nurturing goalkeepers through their academy, including Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson, both of whom went on to play in the Premier League.
Adrian Janusz – Career Development Timeline
| Year | Club/Academy | Level | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Newcastle U19 | Youth | U19 Premier League appearances |
| 2023 | Brentford Academy | Youth | FA Youth Cup squad inclusion |
| 2025 | Free Agent | Trial with Man Utd | Bench vs Everton U21 |
Social media platforms have seen rising curiosity around Janusz’s trial, with hashtags like #JanuszTrial, #ManUtdGoalkeeperWatch, and #RedDevilsFuture trending across Twitter/X and Instagram. Fans have expressed cautious optimism, hoping the club continues to invest in youth while addressing senior squad inconsistencies.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Janusz Trial
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 850K mentions | 78% curious | #JanuszTrial #ManUtdGoalkeeperWatch |
| 720K interactions | 82% supportive | #RedDevilsFuture #U21Talent | |
| 610K views | 75% optimistic | #ManUtdYouth #GoalkeeperTrial | |
| YouTube | 580K views | 80% informative | #JanuszExplained #ManUtdAcademyWatch |
United’s goalkeeping strategy has also included monitoring experienced options for future windows. Reports suggest the club is keeping tabs on Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin, Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, and AC Milan’s Mike Maignan for potential marquee signings in 2026 Metro TEAMtalk CaughtOffside.
Manchester United – Goalkeeper Targets for 2026
| Player Name | Current Club | Age | Contract Ends | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andriy Lunin | Real Madrid | 26 | 2030 | £34.4 million | Under evaluation |
| Jan Oblak | Atletico Madrid | 32 | 2028 | £25–30 million | Considering exit |
| Mike Maignan | AC Milan | 30 | 2028 | £40 million | Monitored |
In conclusion, Manchester United’s trial of Adrian Janusz reflects a proactive approach to goalkeeping depth and youth development. While the Polish teenager may not be a first-team solution yet, his presence at Carrington signals the club’s intent to build a sustainable pipeline of talent. With senior options under review and long-term targets being tracked, United’s goalkeeping future remains a dynamic and evolving story.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports reports, verified transfer data, and expert commentary. It does not constitute player endorsement or contractual confirmation. Readers are advised to follow updates from Manchester United and official football portals for accurate information.
