Is Manchester United Making a Grave Mistake with Onana?

As Manchester United battles through a tumultuous season, questions are mounting regarding the performance of goalkeeper Andre Onana. Once heralded as the long-term solution between the posts at Old Trafford, has the club made a grave error in investing nearly £47 million in a player labelled 'one of the worst' in its history?

Since Onana's arrival from Inter Milan, expectations were sky-high. He was deemed the perfect choice to replace David De Gea, booted out in favour of a modern, ball-playing goalkeeper capable of executing manager Erik ten Hag's vision. However, the reality has been far from impressive.

Critics have highlighted numerous blunders, with Onana reportedly responsible for a staggering nine errors leading to goals in the Premier League alone. Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic did not mince his words, stating that Onana belongs among the worst keepers in the club's storied legacy. Even more worrying for the Red Devils, many are questioning whether relegating Onana to the bench is even a viable option, given that back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has struggled equally.

Compounding the situation, the club’s management appears keen to offload Onana, having reached out to Saudi Pro League clubs about his availability. Unfortunately, his hefty £200,000-per-week wages and a contract extending to 2028 may deter potential suitors. For United, this signifies a pressing urgency to not only eliminate a liability but also find a suitable replacement – a challenge that could haunt them as the transfer window approaches.

The current conversation has also shifted towards Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa, a World Cup champion and a solid candidate, emerging as a front-runner to take Onana's place. While Martinez has been exceptional at Villa, United's pursuit may be hindered by the expected transfer fee exceeding £50 million. However, speculation continues; with his performance under scrutiny and Villa’s tightening grip on their assets, is this the right time for United to make a daring move?

Yet, not everyone within the game believes that sorting the goalkeeper position should take precedence. Former United winger Lee Sharpe has urged the club to focus instead on improving other areas of the pitch first, acknowledging that a more robust team would shield the goalkeeper from high-pressure situations and ultimately reduce the chances of errors. "If you sort the team out, the goalkeeper will face fewer chances, so fewer chances to make mistakes," Sharpe reasoned in a recent interview.

There may be a glimmer of hope for Onana; Sharpe noted that the player has shown potential in his early season form with better decision-making likely to develop over time. However, doubts linger about whether Onana can reclaim his status as a first-choice keeper in a more competitive environment as the club gears up for major honours.

The unfolding narrative at Old Trafford presents a conundrum for fans and pundits alike. Will the Red Devils find the managerial solution and define their goals for the future, effectively selling Onana while identifying a more tenacious long-term keeper? The coming months will certainly be pivotal for both the club and its beleaguered goalkeeper.

As Manchester United navigates this precarious situation, the clock is ticking on a potential resolution. Fans are left pondering: Is it simply time to turn the page on Andre Onana?

Share your thoughts—do you believe United should hold onto Onana for another season, or is it time for a fresh start? Let us know in the comments below!

• Andre Onana
• Emiliano Martinez
• Manchester United