An alarming statistic has emerged that spells transfer trouble for one Manchester United star who is reportedly “open” to leaving Rúben Amorim’s team this summer.
Manchester United are preparing for a transformative summer as they look to overhaul their squad and raise funds for Rúben Amorim’s first transfer window in charge. With the incoming manager set to implement a tactically demanding and high-energy style of play, several current players are expected to be moved on as part of a broad reset.
The club is planning to part ways with multiple first-team members, starting with Victor Lindelöf and Christian Eriksen, both of whom are out of contract at the end of the season and will leave on free transfers.
In addition, United are looking to sell a number of players currently out on loan. Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia are all expected to be made available, with Amorim not viewing them as key pieces in his long-term project.
Casemiro is also likely to be among those heading for the exit, as United shift their focus towards younger, more dynamic profiles that align with Amorim’s philosophy. With player sales set to play a key role in funding new arrivals, this summer could mark the beginning of a bold new era at Old Trafford.
Alarming Onana statistic under Amorim emerges
Since Amorim took charge of United, there has been a stark change in how goalkeeper André Onana plays football. Originally brought in to start build-up from the back, the Cameroon international is now often seen going long with his passes.
In a new breakdown from The Athletic of why Onana has started playing so many ‘launched’ balls – Opta defines this as when a goalkeeper plays a “high ball into space or an area for players to chase or challenge”, at a distance longer than 40 yards – a rather alarming statistic has emerged.
This season, only five Premier League goalkeepers have ‘launched’ more balls than Onana, and of those five, only Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson has a lower completion rate (25.5%) than Amorim’s shot-stopper (25.8%). This is concerning.
It is stated in the analysis piece that Amorim and his coaching staff have instructed Onana to launch the ball forward if it is difficult to play a short pass under pressure, but with the player playing more and more long balls and failing to find a teammate in roughly 75% of them, this results in a high number of turnovers that leave United scrambling in defence.
Onana is heading toward transfer trouble
Amid United wanting to engage in a major clearout, reports broke that Onana may be on his way to the Saudi Pro League this summer, with Amorim keen to sign a new goalkeeper once the 2024/25 season draws to a close.
The above statistic is becoming a glaring issue at United, so Amorim may look to replace Onana with a new goalkeeper who better suits the style the 40-year-old wants to implement at Old Trafford.
With this being said, a fresh report from TBR Football has stated that amid Amorim’s willingness to replace Onana, the player is “open” to the transfer, with Saudi Arabian clubs having received positive indications from both United and the player that a deal could be struck.
It is also added that United are hopeful they will also be able to strike a deal to see Brazilian midfielder Casemiro also offloaded to the Middle East amid the club’s desire to get his £300,000-a-week salary off their books.
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