Manchester United have made their feelings on André Onana’s return clear amid the goalkeeper’s reported desire to reclaim his spot next season.
Manchester United remain in fourth place following Benjamin Šeško’s winner against Everton on Monday evening. Three points clear of Chelsea and three behind third-place Aston Villa, United are looking to solidify their chances of Champions League football for next season.
Despite no transfers being completed in the January transfer window, United were active in sorting out loan options for young players. Harry Amass went back on loan to the Championship, where he’s joined Norwich City for the remainder of the season. Toby Collyer has also returned to the Championship, where he has joined Hull City on loan.
United’s summer activity involved distributing some big-name stars on loan. Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona has proved very successful, with the winger becoming one of their most important stars and now seemingly close to a permanent move to Hansi Flick’s side.
Rasmus Hojlund has also found his form in Italy at Napoli. Many of these stars will be expecting to fight for their position on their return to the club in the summer, with many of these deals being completed under Rúben Amorim.
Onana wishes to re-establish starting role
Andre Onana joined Manchester United from Inter Milan in 2023. At the time, Erik ten Hag was manager and had a relationship with the Cameroon international due to his time at Ajax, where the keeper saw his career take off.
Amorim sent Onana out on loan in September of 2025, following a number of mistakes that became a big problem for the side. Onana’s last appearance saw United lose to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, which appears to have been the final straw.
Onana, now at Trabzonspor in Turkey, wishes to re-establish his role as number one keeper at United after his return at the end of the season, according to The Guardian. Onana also believes that he will be given the opportunity to do so.
With huge decisions to happen over Manchester United’s management over the summer, Onana believes the spot is still his to fight for despite the signing of Senne Lammens.
However, in a clear response to the reports, TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook has stated that United have “no intention” of re-integrating Onana when he returns to the club this summer, and are planning to sell the Cameroon international.
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Replacing Lammens would be a difficult task
Since his arrival, Lammens has become a fan favourite at United. The Belgian has proved himself throughout the season and solidified his name as the starting goalkeeper. His impressive performance against Everton has since elevated that claim.
Altay Bayindir started a number of Premier League games at the start of the season, but his role was swiftly taken over by Lammens, who will look to continue his form to the end of the season.
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The fight for the number one spot will also be tough for Onana in the summer with the return of Radek Vitek, who has been on loan at Bristol City. Vitek has proved himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship, saving Bristol City on multiple occasions.
With a number of names fighting for the number one spot, the United manager who starts the 2026/27 season will have a tough job picking who remains at the club.
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