Andre Onana’s turbulent time at Manchester United appears to be nearing a turning point. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, signed for £47 million from Inter Milan in 2023, has endured a rollercoaster two-year spell that has been marked by high-profile errors and mounting pressure. Most recently, he was dropped from the squad entirely after costly mistakes in a 2-2 Europa League draw with Lyon, further fueling speculation over his future at Old Trafford.
United boss Ruben Amorim defended his decision to leave Onana out of the weekend’s squad against Newcastle, describing it as a move to let the 29-year-old “disconnect” and reset mentally. However, Amorim now faces a crucial decision ahead of Thursday's decisive Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon.
Despite the public backing, the club is reportedly already lining up replacements. Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale and Porto’s Diogo Costa have been linked with a summer move to Manchester. Onana, meanwhile, has changed agents now represented by LIAN Sports which could be a signal of preparations for a potential transfer. The Saudi Pro League has shown longstanding interest in the keeper, especially now with his wages reportedly reduced by 25% due to United’s absence from the Champions League.
There are complications to an exit, however. Onana is not currently seeking to leave, and with three years remaining on his contract and a £26.3m book value, any sale would need to generate a significant fee to avoid a financial loss for United amid Profit and Sustainability Rule (PSR) concerns. A loan move may be more feasible.
Despite his inconsistency, Onana ranks among the Premier League’s top goal preventers, according to Opta, trailing only Jordan Pickford since the 2023/24 season. Yet his record of errors leading to goals eight in total is the worst among Premier League goalkeepers in that span.
United’s current 14th-place league standing and the looming risk of their worst finish in decades only magnify the pressure. With Amorim aiming to secure Europa League glory and a Champions League return, his goalkeeping choice could define the season. Whether Onana remains part of the club’s long-term vision or follows the path of past United keepers like Tim Howard and Roy Carroll remains uncertain as United prepare for a crucial showdown on Thursday.
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