Andre Onana will return to Manchester United in the summer when his loan deal expires at Trabzonspor.
While he wasn’t a member of Rúben Amorim’s famous “Bomb Squad”, Andre Onana was forced out of Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, with Altay Bayindir starting the season as first-choice.
Onana remained at the club as second-choice until late in the transfer window, as Senne Lammens joined the club on Transfer Deadline Day.
Bayindir remained at the starter under Amorim until the Sunderland match before the first international break, in which Lammens impressed with his composure and safe hands, as he has done since.
Onana, though, was loaned to Trabzonspor for the remainder of the season, but he will return to United at the end of the season without a buy-option in the contract and Onana’s high wages.
United’s summer goalkeeper overhaul
The summer window could see United have a goalkeeper overhaul, with Onana’s return to Old Trafford kickstarting Director of Football Jason Wilcox into action.
In a Q and A with the MEN, Tyrone Marshall said: “Onana would certainly welcome another chance at United this summer. His loan to Trabzonspor didn’t include an option to buy and it seems unlikely to be made permanent.
“There could be a shake-up in the goalkeeping department at Old Trafford this summer. Altay Bayindir could move on, and Tom Heaton could hang up his gloves, but that will leave a vacancy for a No.2 and maybe No.3 keeper. Onana is on too much money for those roles and is likely to want more playing time anyway.
“It’s difficult to see how he can challenge Senne Lammens. The Belgian has had an excellent first season at United. Onana has had his chances and he didn’t take them. United will be desperate to find a buyer this summer.”
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Who will be Lammens’ backup options?
With no Onana to return, United could be left without a clear backup to Senne Lammens.
Dermot Mee, who is the fourth-choice goalkeeper, may be promoted to third-choice if he doesn’t leave to seek regular gametime.
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As for the backup, Radek Vitek will be hungry to prove himself in the top flight after an impressive season on loan at Bristol City in the Championship, but he may want to be a starting goalkeeper, rather than a backup.
If that is the case, United may be forced to look for a new backup, potentially seeking a former player for the home-grown European quota. Sam Johnstone or Matej Kovar could be targets.
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