KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – MAY 28: Andre Onana of Manchester United in action during the match between … More
Andre Onana became the symbol of Erik ten Hag’s ill-fated tenure as Manchester United manager. The Dutch coach pushed hard for the signing of the Cameroonian goalkeeper in a $60m deal from Inter Milan with United legend David De Gea pushed out the exit door to make room. Two years on, Onana has been written off as a flop.
Ten Hag is long gone, replaced by Ruben Amorim midway through the 2024/25 season, but Onana remains. For how much longer, though? The Cameroonian was culpable for several blunders last term as Manchester United suffered a dismal campaign. Onana wasn’t the only one to blame, but his performances certainly didn’t help matters.
Manchester United’s Cameroonian goalkeeper #24 Andre Onana (L) celebrates with Manchester United’s … More
This has led to speculation around Onana’s future at Old Trafford and the potential pursuit of a replacement. Emi Martinez has been linked with Manchester United, but no offer has been lodged for the Aston Villa goalkeeper who appeared to bid farewell to Villa Park at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Mike Maignan has been a target for Chelsea. The Stamford Bridge club attempted to land the AC Milan before the start of the Club World Cup, but couldn’t get a deal done in time. AC Milan dug its heels in over the valuation of one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A, meaning United could still feasibly get involved in the race.
Nice’s Marcin Bulka has been mentioned as a potential target while Newcastle United is reportedly close to signing James Trafford from Burnley. Kepa Arrizabalaga is also expected to make the move to Arsenal from Chelsea this summer. There is an active market for new goalkeepers in the Premier League.
James Trafford #1 (GK) of Burnley FC participates in the pre-match warm-up during the Sky Bet … More
The signing of Onana two years was designed to facilitate a new style of play for Manchester United. The Cameroonian is better with the ball at his feet than de Gea who always struggled in possession. However, United never truly adopted a style of play to make the most of Onana, highlighting his weaknesses as a shot-stopper.
Manchester United has a lot of work to do this summer. Matheus Cunha has joined from Wolves with Bryan Mbeumo also potentially on his way to Old Trafford. Amorim needs a new centre forward to replace the under-performing Rasmus Hojlund with the likes of Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres.
There isn’t an area of the Manchester United squad that doesn’t require strengthening, but Amorim might argue there is some logic in starting at the back and working forward. This could make the replacement of Onana a priority. United clearly needs a new goalkeeper to move on from the ten Hag era.