Andre Onana Benched: Manchester United’s Goalkeeping Dilemma After Errors and Criticism
Manchester United have made a dramatic call by omitting goalkeeper Andre Onana from their Premier League squad to face Newcastle United – marking a pivotal moment in the club's ongoing search for consistency between the posts. The bold decision, made by head coach Ruben Amorim, highlights mounting pressure not only on the Cameroonian international but also on United's football hierarchy as questions about their number one intensify.
Onana has endured a turbulent spell since his high-profile £47 million transfer from Inter Milan in 2023. The most recent chapter came in Thursday’s Europa League clash with Lyon, where two costly mistakes gifted the French side a lifeline in a 2-2 draw. His woes were compounded by fierce criticism from former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who labelled Onana "one of the worst goalkeepers in United's history," sparking a wider debate about the club’s transfer strategy and goalkeeping standards.
Sources close to the club have revealed that Amorim’s decision to bench Onana for the Newcastle game is guided by a desire to let the player "rest and disconnect" amid a daunting run of form and personal stress – noting a robbery incident involving Onana’s wife as one of several off-field distractions. Amorim backed his beleaguered shot-stopper publicly, stating, “I have made more mistakes this season than Onana," but could not ignore the growing scrutiny after Onana’s eighth error directly leading to a goal since last season – the most by any Premier League goalkeeper in that period.
Turkish international Altay Bayindir steps into the fray, set for his first Premier League appearance after limited cup outings this season. United fans will remember his heroics in the FA Cup shootout win over Arsenal, but Bayindir’s league credentials remain largely untested. Behind him, veteran Tom Heaton fills the bench as the third-choice goalkeeper.
This abrupt change raises significant questions for United’s future. Reports suggest Onana’s place in the starting XI could be at risk if Bayindir impresses, especially with the decisive second leg against Lyon looming. The situation is further complicated by transfer speculation swirling around potential new signings. As detailed in The Manchester Evening News, United have shortlisted a clutch of Europe’s rising goalkeeping talents, including Porto’s Diogo Costa – valued at £33 million and firmly on the radar of several top English clubs.
Other names put forward include Lille’s Lucas Chevalier, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, Japan’s Zion Suzuki (currently at Parma), Ukraine’s Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid, and Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin. Each brings varying degrees of promise and risk, reflecting United’s resolve to address a conundrum that has lingered since the club parted ways with David de Gea and placed their faith in Onana’s footwork and continental pedigree.
For now, Onana remains with assurances from Amorim that his exclusion isn’t permanent, but this episode could prove a turning point both for the player and Manchester United’s plans. Will Bayindir seize his opportunity and force his way into the side? Or will the summer see a new face arrive to take the coveted number one shirt at Old Trafford?
The goalkeeper debate at United is far from settled. As transfer season approaches, fans will be watching closely. What do you make of United’s decision – and who should be in goal next season? Share your take in the comments below.
Related issues news
How many errors has Onana made?
No Premier League goalkeeper has made more errors leading to a shot (12) or more errors leading to a goal (8) across all competitions since the start of last season than Andru00e9 Onana.
How many errors leading to goals has Onana made?
It means that since the start of last season, Onana has made eight errors leading to goals in all competitions, the most of any keeper playing for a Premier League club.
