After receiving a lot of criticism for his inconsistent goalkeeping performances for the Red Devils, Andre Onana is thought to have made a decision regarding his future at Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag, the previous manager of Ajax, brought the former Inter Milan goalkeeper into the team before the 2023–24 campaign began.
There were positive moments in Onana’s debut season, despite his struggles in the first half, and he managed to hang onto the No. 1 jersey.
However, the Cameroon international’s second term has not been any easier, as the team’s dismal 2024–25 campaign has been highlighted by a number of recent scandals.
Former professionals Robbie Savage and Rio Ferdinand criticized Onana’s performance against Ipswich last week, pointing out that he was involved in Jade Philogene’s opening goal for the visitors.
In the Manchester team’s FA Cup encounter against Fulham on Sunday, the 28-year-old somewhat made amends by making two vital saves, but he was unable to stop his team from losing on penalties.
The Manchester Evening News reports that despite rumors that Onana may try to find his best form outside of Old Trafford, the goalkeeper is still focused on staying with the team.
Head coach Ruben Amorim’s plans are reportedly at odds with this objective, as the Portuguese coach is rumored to be considering a move for a new goalkeeper during the next summer transfer window.
Altay Bayindir, a Turkey international, is now Onana’s number two in the squad, with club veteran Tom Heaton serving as a backup.
However, Heaton is anticipated to retire after his Man United contract expires in June, and Bayindir may still be interested in getting additional playing time before the 2026 World Cup the following season.
Sport Witness reported on Monday that Mike Maignan of AC Milan is one of the goalkeepers Amorim has his sights set on. Onana’s standing in the team will play a significant role in whether the team makes a bid for the France No. 1.
Pundits have previously asked Onana to think twice about playing away from the Premier League; in December, former Manchester United goalie Massimo Taibi told him to stop losing.
“Andre, you are among the best keepers in Europe, but you are not performing well in the Premier League,” I would tell him bluntly. Ignore criticism, reflect, hit the reset button, and try again. Additionally, Taibi advised moving on if nothing changes by June.
Subconsciously, I believe that the United States isn’t the best place for him, and it’s useless to keep a marriage going when it’s failing. It’s best to part ways when things don’t work out as a team, and it wouldn’t be a failure.
In my opinion, he is a capable goalie who is unable to demonstrate his abilities since he is not suited for the English game. In terms of his structure and ball-playing skills, he is only appropriate for the Premier League.
Ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup match, Amorim publicly warned his team’s underperforming players that he was already planning a summer makeover before the transfer season opened.
“Everyone knows that in football, sometimes you have to move on and sometimes you stay,” he remarked. I prefer to be explicit, so if I can explain it, I will.
When you are honest with someone, they can accept it. I prefer to draw on my experience as a player.
“It may be difficult at first, but they will understand.” Sometimes my players understand that they must go on at the conclusion of the season because I’m really honest with them.
Man United will now turn their attention to the Europa League after their final domestic cup match, traveling to Real Sociedad for the opening leg of their round of 16 match.