André Onana’s position at Manchester United has been thrown into further uncertainty after the Cameroon international was once again left out of the starting line-up in Sunday’s Premier League match against Fulham.
For the second consecutive league fixture, manager Ruben Amorim opted to start Altay Bayindir in goal, having also chosen the Turkish goalkeeper in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
The decision leaves Onana, once considered the undisputed number one at Old Trafford, increasingly sidelined and raises questions about his long-term role at the club.
Amorim attempted to downplay concerns last week when Onana was dropped against Arsenal.
At the time, he explained: I haven’t ruled out Onana. It’s just a matter of not putting him back in without rhythm upon his return from injury, editor’s note. I’m happy with all three goalkeepers.
Those words, intended to reassure, have since been overshadowed by events on the pitch.
Despite suggestions that the omission was temporary, Onana again found himself among the substitutes at Craven Cottage, with Amorim offering little clarity in his latest explanation.
🚨 Rúben Amorim confirms technical decision for Onana benched and Bayindir starting: “It’s the kind of decision that the manager has to make”.
“Jusr try to see the game, try to imagine the next game and try to put the best players to win the game, so I did that”. pic.twitter.com/f7H5kTcSvv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2025
I just tried to see the game, imagine the next match and put the best players in to win the match, that’s what I did, the United manager told reporters after the match.
The situation has fuelled speculation of a gradual demotion for the former Inter Milan goalkeeper, who only joined United in the summer of 2023 in a high-profile move intended to usher in a new era after David De Gea’s departure.
Compounding the uncertainty is United’s reported progress in signing 22-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.
A deal worth between €20m and €25m is said to be close, potentially intensifying the battle for the number one jersey.
🚨⚠️ André Onana, on the bench for Man United against Fulham. Bayindir starts in goal.
…meanwhile, Senne Lammens deal proceeding. pic.twitter.com/ckqrSqbwOl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2025
Until recently, Bayindir appeared to be second-choice behind Onana, but his back-to-back starts suggest the hierarchy is shifting.
Onana’s trajectory since his arrival has been turbulent.
Brought in as a marquee signing of the Ten Hag era, he was expected to provide stability and modern distribution from the back.
Instead, a series of high-profile errors undermined his debut campaign, leaving his once-assured place vulnerable.
Now, with Bayindir gaining Amorim’s trust and another rival goalkeeper likely to arrive, Onana’s future looks increasingly precarious.
📸 André Onana très pensif sur le banc de Manchester United cet après-midi. 😕🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/QHLc1OWnzg
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) August 24, 2025
The club may not be in a hurry to offload him before the transfer window closes, but his status as Manchester United’s undisputed number one is no longer guaranteed.
What was once seen as the cornerstone of United’s rebuild has, for the moment at least, become a position clouded by doubt.
