Manchester United’s Europa League hopes are now on a knife edge after a disappointing first-leg draw against Lyon exposed yet more flaws in their defence and goalkeeping.
Ruben Amorim’s decision to drop his starting goalkeeper was a bold call that drew both praise and confusion from fans and pundits alike.
With Thursday’s return leg looming, Amorim has already hinted that his number one might return – not necessarily by choice, but by default, following another howler-filled performance from his backup.
The pressure is only building at Old Trafford, with United not only battling for European glory but also fighting behind the scenes to balance the books amid looming profit and sustainability constraints.
As it turns out, Andre Onana’s situation off the pitch has become just as turbulent as his performances on it.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper has reportedly been left shocked after learning of a wage cut triggered by United’s failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League.
According to The Athletic, the 29-year-old approached now-departed sporting director Dan Ashworth about the salary reduction, which he hadn’t anticipated.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Onana, whose erratic form reached a new low last week in France, with two costly errors that gifted Lyon their goals in a 2-2 draw.
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That performance led Ruben Amorim to omit Onana entirely from the squad for the Newcastle clash, citing the need for the goalkeeper to “disconnect.”
Andre Onana signed for United last summer for £43.8million, and with four years left on his contract, the club have amortised the fee, valuing him at around £26million.
But even that price looks like a stretch, with no club likely to match it after a season where Onana has made nine errors directly leading to goals – the most in the Premier League.
United’s financial situation makes selling the goalkeeper for less than his book value a risky option, meaning a loan deal might be the only escape route this summer.
Andre Onana has faced savage criticism in recent weeks, including from former United man Nemanja Matic, who labelled him “one of the worst goalkeepers” in club history.
The keeper clapped back defiantly, but after his nightmare against Lyon, the jokes are beginning to write themselves.
Aaron Ramsdale is now being considered as a potential replacement, according to The Sun, with United eyeing a reshuffle between the sticks ahead of next season.
Whether Onana gets the nod to redeem himself against Lyon or not, Thursday night could be make or break – not just for United, but for a keeper who looks increasingly out of place at Old Trafford.
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Source: Centred Devils
