Ruben Amorim has finally advised Onana to get himself a new club this summer after he was left out of the squad for their Premier League opener against Arsenal
Manchester United’s new chapter under Reuben Amorim began with a decision that stunned fans and pundits alike: Andre Onana, the £47.2 million goalkeeper, was dropped from the squad in their opening Premier League clash against Arsenal. The move immediately cast doubt over the Cameroonian’s status as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and raised questions about whether his grip on the No.1 jersey is slipping.
Onana’s journey since arriving from Inter Milan in 2023 has been anything but smooth. Heralded as the modern goalkeeper capable of transforming United’s build-up play, his spell at Old Trafford has instead been marked by inconsistency, costly mistakes, and endless debate about whether he is the right man to anchor United’s defensive ambitions. In two seasons, he has conceded 148 goals in all competitions — 102 in the Premier League alone — with critics highlighting his tendency to misjudge crosses and crack under pressure in big moments. The low point came in a Europa League tie against Lyon, where two errors handed United’s opponents the victory and intensified calls for change.
Amorim, however, is making it clear that reputations and price tags will not dictate his decisions. When asked about Onana’s absence, the Portuguese coach responded carefully but firmly, insisting that every player must earn his place. For a manager renowned at Sporting Lisbon for his merit-based selections and tactical ruthlessness, this was a statement of intent: no one at United is untouchable.
The situation is complicated by United’s summer transfer strategy. Despite Onana’s rocky form, the club resisted moving for a new goalkeeper, largely due to a lack of offers for the 28-year-old. Instead, the board invested heavily in attack, spending £210m on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbuemo in an effort to fix their chronic scoring issues. Backup options remain unconvincing — Altay Bayindir has struggled to make an impression, while veteran Tom Heaton, now 38, was retained mainly for experience. This leaves United heavily reliant on Onana, even as Amorim refuses to guarantee him a starting role.
Adapting to the Premier League has proven difficult for the former Inter star. Unlike the more measured pace of Serie A, England’s top flight demands constant concentration, aerial command, and the ability to cope with relentless pressure. United’s own defensive instability has not helped — frequent injuries to Raphael Varane, inconsistent displays from Harry Maguire, and a lack of cohesion across the back line have left Onana repeatedly exposed. Add to that the immense psychological strain of replacing David de Gea, a club legend, and it is no surprise his confidence has wavered.
Opinions on Onana remain divided. Some argue he needs time, pointing to his Champions League pedigree and distribution skills as qualities that could still prove vital if United settle defensively. Others see him as emblematic of the club’s wider failings in recruitment — another costly gamble who has not lived up to expectations. Social media has been merciless, with every mistake magnified and dissected, feeding a perception that is proving as damaging as the performances themselves.
The months ahead will define not only Onana’s future but also Amorim’s authority. Redemption is still possible: a strong run of form could silence the criticism and restore faith in his abilities. But if the errors continue, United may be forced into a rotation policy with Bayindir, or even consider a long-term replacement in the next transfer window.
What is clear is that Amorim is attempting to instill a new culture at Old Trafford — one built on accountability rather than reputation. For Onana, that means the pressure is greater than ever. Once hailed as the man to modernize United’s goalkeeping department, he now finds himself fighting to prove he belongs. How he responds to this challenge could shape not only his career but also United’s chances of finally re-establishing themselves among England’s elite.
