Minnesota United decided not to take any chances with their goalkeeping position. Despite having a starting goalie in Bobby Shuttleworth and one of the most talented goalkeepers in North America in Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota went on and acquired Vito Mannone from Reading.
Mannone, who is former Italy U21 international, will come to MLS on a one-year long loan and is expected to challenge Shuttleworth for the position in the starting 11.
“The most important thing is we have added another player who has vast experience and has played at a really high level,” – said Minnesota’s head coach Adrian Heath in a statement. “He’s played in the Premier League, the Championship, some very difficult leagues to play in. He’s been at big clubs and he knows what it feels like to play under tremendous pressure. As a player he’s really competent at all aspects of his game, he’s good playing in traffic, coming out for crosses, he’s good with his feet. He has all the things we’ve been looking for in a goalkeeper.”
Minnesota United were on the market for another goalkeeper for some time now, and have reportedly considered a number of options including Boca Juniors’ Agustin Rossi and Finland international Walter Viitala. Still, the club decided to turn to Vito Mannone, since he represents a more experienced option.
Mannone started his professional career with Arsenal, but spend the majority of his time with Premier League powerhouse on loans at several low-tier clubs. He joined Reading in the summer of 2017, signing a three year deal.
