Andre Onana’s Manchester United career hangs by a thread. After gifting Lyon two goals in Thursday’s Europa League collapse, Ruben Amorim is seriously considering dropping the error-prone keeper for Sunday’s Premier League clash at Newcastle. Turkish shot-stopper Altay Bayindir, yet to start a league game, is on standby for his debut.
Onana’s howlers in France summed up his turbulent season. First, he let Thiago Almada’s tame strike slip through for Lyon’s opener. Then, in stoppage time, he spilt a routine save into Rayan Cherki’s path for the equalizer. These blunders marked his eighth error leading to a goal since his £47m arrival. Onana is thought to be replaced as well ahead of the next season as per reports.
Amorim publicly backed Onana post-match, but insiders claim the Portuguese boss is done gambling. “Sources say Onana is uncertain he will start against Newcastle,” the Manchester Evening News revealed. With Bayindir now fit, Amorim faces a season-defining call.
United legends aren’t mincing words. Peter Schmeichel slammed Onana’s instability: “You never feel safe… always fear the other team will come back.” Mike Phelan, Sir Alex Ferguson’s former deputy, was blunter: “You can’t keep covering up those mistakes. Is there a No.2 capable of taking over?”
Even teammate Joshua Zirkzee’s defence, “It’s ridiculous to single him out” doesn’t offer much support. Onana’s errors cost United Champions League progression last season and now threaten their Europa League hopes.
Altay Bayindir’s Man United chance, ready or not?
Bayindir, signed from Fenerbache, has six cup appearances so far with 8 goals conceded but zero Premier League minutes. Amorim’s trust in him grew during Tom Heaton’s injury, handing him four starts including a Europa League debut. While shaky at times, the 25-year-old’s performances and distribution offer a glimmer of hope. Onana’s performances also offer Amorim the chance to test the Turkish in the Premier League. Because why not? What could go wrong further?
INEOS’ rebuild plans may accelerate. With Heaton’s contract expiring and Bayindir also speculated to leave for regular minutes, United are eyeing a new number 1. As per recent rumours of David de Gea being reconsidered, his Fiorentina 1-year extension plans leave United looking for other alternatives. Onana’s £200k-a-week wages complicate a sale, but another howler this season could force INEOS’ hand as he is linked with a move away to Saudi League.
Dropping Onana risks shattering his confidence, but sticking with him risks United’s season. As Schmeichel noted, “There are so many issues Amorim needs to sort out.” For a manager preaching accountability, benching his keeper might be the first step toward salvaging a broken campaign.