The future of André Onana at Manchester United remains uncertain ahead of the summer transfer window after his poor performances this season.
André Onana’s future at Manchester United is under intense scrutiny following a series of error-prone performances that have caused him to lose favour at Old Trafford.
Before United’s Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash against Lyon, Onana engaged in a heated exchange with former United midfielder Nemanja Matic. However, he fell short of backing up his criticism on the field, committing two significant mistakes that led to a 2-2 draw.
Subsequently, he was omitted from the starting lineup in the following match—a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle—leaving Altay Bayındır as the preferred option to make his Premier League debut.
While Onana is anticipated to reclaim his starting spot for the upcoming home fixture against Lyon on Thursday evening, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding his long-term role at the club.
Fabrizio Romano reveals United goalkeeper preference
Following on from this speculation, it was revealed by Fabrizio Romano that there are Saudi Pro League clubs with “strong interest” in the Cameroon international ahead of the summer window.
Of course, that leaves United with a decision to make in who to replace the shot-stopper, with there being no obvious internal option.
Altay Bayındır is not good enough to be the long-term first choice and is already linked with a move away, while the aging Tom Heaton is expected to retire after the season ends. Youngster Elyh Harrison is promising but not ready to take that burden.
United will be looking to the market to replace Onana if he leaves and Romano has revealed that they will be eyeing a “young” and “talented” goalkeeper to come in.
In response to a question asking whether United will consider signing a goalkeeper this summer, Romano wrote on GiveMeSport: “It depends on what happens with Onana. If he ends up leaving the club, yes, and I’d expect a young talented GK in that case.”
This seemingly follows the INEOS-led recruitment strategy we’ve seen since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with the club focused on young signings to build for the future.
United goalkeeper is difficult and needs experience
United fans are wary about signing 22-year-old Liam Delap to lead the line at Old Trafford as they believe the club need an experienced profile to deal with the demands.
Manchester United’s no.9 is arguably one of the toughest positions on a football pitch, perhaps only trumped by being Manchester United’s no.1.
Onana has struggled with the pressure of that position and he is 29 years of age. David de Gea started terribly at a young age but had the benefit of a strong Sir Alex Ferguson side to fall back on and recover.
The youth-focused approach is one that United need but some may argue that these two positions need some quality and experience in them.
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