The Premier League transfer window remains in full swing, with no signs of slowing down as clubs continue to rebuild and reinforce their squads ahead of the 2025/26 season. In one of the more surprising developments, Manchester United have reportedly turned their attention to a player from their fiercest rival—Manchester City.
This unexpected move has captured attention across the football world, given the deep-rooted rivalry between the two Manchester giants. The decision to scout a player from the blue side of the city underlines United’s pragmatic approach to strengthening their team—even if it means knocking on the door of their greatest adversary.
A Bold Strategy in a Changing Landscape
While both United and City have traditionally been among the Premier League’s powerhouses, the previous season was far from ideal for either side. Manchester United struggled to find consistency and form, finishing below expectations in the league table. Manchester Cіtу, meanwhile, fell short іn thеіr title dеfеnѕе, ѕurrеndеrіng the Prеmіеr Lеаguе crown tо a nеw сhаmріоn.
These underwhelming campaigns have prompted both clubs to take swift and decisive action in the transfer market. Rebuilding and bolstering squad depth have become top priorities as they seek a fresh start.
One of Manchester City’s first moves was to bring James Trafford back from Burnley. The young goalkeeper returns to the Etihad to provide more options in the goalkeeping department. However, this addition may have an unintended consequence—creating a potential exit path for another shot-stopper.
Ortega on the Radar After Trafford’s Return
The аrrіvаl оf James Trafford hаѕ stirred up соmреtіtіоn wіthіn City’s goalkeeping ranks. Stefan Ortеgа, thе сlub’ѕ еxреrіеnсеd backup gоаlkеереr, nоw fіndѕ hіѕ роѕіtіоn undеr іnсrеаѕеd pressure. At 32 years old, the German keeper may find it difficult to secure meaningful playing time behind both Ederson and now Trafford.
According to a report from TeamTalk, Manchester United have placed Ortega firmly on their radar as a possible reinforcement in goal. This interest arises after United failed to secure their top choice, Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez, who opted to remain at Aston Villa despite overtures from Old Trafford.
With Martinez out of reach, United have turned their attention to Ortega—a dependable veteran who has shown quality and composure during his time at City and previously with Arminia Bielefeld in the Bundesliga. While signing a player from their cross-town rival might raise eyebrows, United appear willing to put rivalry aside in the name of squad improvement.
A Pathway to First-Team Football
For Ortega, a move to Manchester United could offer the opportunity he’s been waiting for: a chance to become a first-choice goalkeeper at one of the world’s biggest clubs. At City, his role has been largely limited to domestic cup appearances and the occasional Premier League outing. A switch to United could drastically change that.
If the transfer materializes, Ortega could walk into the starting role, especially with United looking to shore up a position that has seen instability in recent seasons. This potential opportunity for more regular minutes is likely a major factor in Ortega’s reported openness to the move.
A Rare Cross-Rival Transfer
It’s worth noting how rare direct transfers between Manchester United and Manchester City have been in recent decades. Moves across the city are often viewed with suspicion and intense scrutiny by fans, but football’s modern era has increasingly seen pragmatism take precedence over rivalry traditions.
Newly appointed United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly backing the idea of bringing in a seasoned goalkeeper, emphasizing the importance of experience between the posts. Ortega fits that profile perfectly and could serve as both a stabilizing presence and a leader at the back.
If this deal does go through, it would be a landmark transfer—not just for Ortega, but for the rivalry as a whole. While emotions may run high among supporters, both the player and United appear to be making decisions based on what’s best for their professional futures.
A Calculated Gamble with High Potential
Manchester United’s pursuit of Stefan Ortega may be surprising, but it reflects a calculated move aimed at addressing a critical area of need. The Red Devils are clearly intent on rebuilding under Amorim’s leadership, and bringing in a capable, experienced goalkeeper could be a key part of that transformation.
For Ortega, the move could offer a long-awaited opportunity to become a number one at the highest level. For United, it’s a low-risk, high-upside acquisition. And for fans, it’s a reminder that even in football’s most intense rivalries, ambition often outweighs emotion.
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