Cameroon international André Onana has suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season training with Manchester United, ruling him out for up to eight weeks and casting further doubt over his position at the club.
The 29-year-old, who has been under scrutiny following inconsistent performances since joining United from Inter Milan, had been seen as a key figure heading into the 2025–2026 campaign.
However, this latest setback comes at a critical time, as manager Ruben Amorim prepares to shape his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
According to The Telegraph, Onana is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, which will see him miss the remainder of United’s pre-season programme, including the club’s tour of the United States.
More worryingly for United fans, the injury may also rule him out of the Premier League opener against Arsenal on 17 August.
Onana’s absence has revived discussions about the club’s goalkeeping plans. Amorim, who took charge earlier this year, is reported to be seeking greater stability in goal and has reignited interest in Aston Villa’s Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez, a long-time target for the club.
While nothing has been finalised, the injury has potentially accelerated Manchester United’s desire to bring in a new first-choice goalkeeper.
In the meantime, backup keepers Altay Bayındır and veteran Tom Heaton are expected to take charge during Onana’s recovery.
However, the uncertainty around the Cameroonian’s return raises questions about his long-term role under Amorim.
Onana arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2023 with high expectations after an impressive spell at Inter Milan. However, his debut season in the Premier League was marked by inconsistent form and high-profile errors, drawing criticism from supporters and pundits alike.
While there were signs of improvement in his second season, the goalkeeper remained under pressure to prove his value, especially as United endured mixed results.
Despite earlier speculation linking him with a move to AS Monaco, Onana had appeared to win the confidence of Amorim, who seemed ready to make him the club’s undisputed number one. Now, this injury threatens to unravel that fragile trust.
As competition intensifies within the squad, Onana could find himself falling down the pecking order should his replacements impress in his absence.
Given the timing of the injury and Amorim’s desire to reinforce the position, the Cameroonian’s future at Old Trafford has once again been thrown into uncertainty.
Capped 48 times by Cameroon, Onana has built a solid international reputation, but his situation at club level is now in flux.
His immediate priority will be recovery, but the challenge upon his return may be more psychological than physical—reclaiming a starting spot in a side aiming to return to title contention.
With the Premier League season fast approaching, all eyes will now be on United’s next moves in the transfer market, and whether Onana will still be central to their plans by the time he returns to full fitness.
