Doubts are mounting over André Onana’s position as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper, with the club’s technical staff reportedly growing frustrated with his inconsistent performances.
Signed for €50 million from Inter Milan, Onana was expected to be a key component of Erik ten Hag’s system, offering superior distribution and composure on the ball compared to his predecessor David De Gea.
However, his tenure at Old Trafford has been marred by errors, prompting questions about his long-term future at the club.
Mounting pressure on Onana
Since arriving at United, Onana has struggled to justify his hefty price tag, delivering a mix of spectacular saves and costly mistakes.
His ability to play out from the back was a key reason for his signing, but defensive lapses and erratic decision-making have led to uncertainty among the coaching staff.
According to Football Insider, former United scout Mick Brown has expressed doubts over whether Onana has truly strengthened the team:
“He hasn’t been good enough, and that’s becoming a problem for them. They paid £50 million for him, and now you wonder if he’s really an improvement on De Gea.”
These concerns are reportedly shared within the club, with some questioning whether United were too hasty in replacing De Gea, who, despite his weaknesses in distribution, was a reliable shot-stopper.
Errors proving costly
While Onana has produced moments of brilliance, his inconsistency has put United in difficult situations on multiple occasions.
His aerial command, positioning on long-range shots, and high-risk passing have all been called into question.
One recent example was United’s match against Everton, where his decision-making under pressure nearly led to a defensive collapse.
A member of United’s coaching staff reportedly noted:
“If every long-range shot becomes a source of worry, then Onana has serious problems.”
Such remarks indicate that faith in the Cameroonian is beginning to wane, particularly with Rúben Amorim tipped to replace Erik ten Hag as United’s next manager.
Unlike Ten Hag, who worked with Onana at Ajax and was instrumental in bringing him to Old Trafford, Amorim has no personal ties to the goalkeeper and may consider alternative options.
What next for Onana?
Despite the growing concerns, a mid-season replacement remains unlikely.
Acknowledging Onana as a transfer failure so soon would be an embarrassing admission for United’s management.
Instead, the club remains hopeful that he can rediscover his best form and provide the stability the team desperately needs between the posts.
However, if his performances do not improve, Onana could face stiff competition or even lose his starting role in the coming months.
With United looking to rebuild after a disappointing season, the pressure is on for the Cameroonian shot-stopper to silence his critics and prove he is the right man for the job.
