A Rocky Start at Old Trafford
Andre Onana’s journey at Manchester United has been a turbulent one. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, once a darling at Inter Milan and a standout at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, arrived at Old Trafford ahead of the 2023-24 season with high hopes and expectations. Despite some bright moments, Onana has struggled to establish the consistency and reliability that the Red Devils and their fans had anticipated. The first half of his initial campaign was marked by shaky performances, but he managed to hold onto the No1 jersey, partly due to Ten Hag’s faith in him.
Critical Moments and Public Scrutiny
The 2024-25 season, however, has been no easier for Onana. Recent errors and costly mistakes have brought him under intense scrutiny. One of the most notable mishaps came in the Boxing Day defeat to Wolverhampton, where his performance was heavily criticized. The criticism reached a fever pitch following the match against Ipswich, where former professionals Robbie Savage and Rio Ferdinand were particularly critical of his role in allowing Jade Philogene’s opening goal. Onana’s decision-making and positioning were questioned, and the backlash from pundits and fans alike has been significant.
Redemption and Resilience
Despite the criticism, Onana showed signs of redemption in the recent FA Cup clash against Fulham. He made two crucial saves during the match, demonstrating the potential that led to his signing. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent Manchester United from being knocked out of the competition on penalties. This mixed bag of performances has left many wondering about Onana’s future at the club. The 28-year-old is known for his technical ability and solid ball-playing skills, but the Premier League’s pace and physicality have posed significant challenges for him.
Decision Time: Stay or Move On
Amid the criticism, Onana is believed to have made a decision about his future at Manchester United. While there have been suggestions that he might seek greener pastures elsewhere to rediscover his form, his current stance is to stay and fight for his place. This decision seems to be in opposition to head coach Ruben Amorim’s plans, who is reportedly eyeing a new goalkeeper for the upcoming summer transfer window. The club currently has alternatives in the form of Turkey international Altay Bayindir and veteran Tom Heaton, though Bayindir might seek more playing time, and Heaton is expected to retire at the end of his contract in June.
The Manager’s Perspective
Ruben Amorim has been straightforward about the club’s plans and the need for a summer reset. In a recent press conference, he addressed the issue of under-performing players, including Onana, warning that some might have to move on. Amorim said, "Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on. If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear. I was a player and like to use that experience—when you are honest with someone, they can take it. In the beginning, maybe it is hard, but they will understand. I’m quite honest with my players, and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season."
A New Focus and Future Hopes
With the FA Cup exit, Manchester United will now shift their focus to the Europa League, where they face Real Sociedad in the round of 16. For Onana, this represents an opportunity to prove his worth and silence his critics. The club’s decision to pursue a new goalkeeper in the summer adds pressure, but it also provides a clear path for Onana to either rise to the challenge or consider his next move. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Onana can recapture his best form at Old Trafford or if the club will indeed look elsewhere for a more reliable presence between the posts.
