Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana has left his future at Old Trafford shrouded in uncertainty following cryptic remarks made during a recent visit to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Amid growing scrutiny over his performances, the Cameroonian international has refused to commit to staying with the club, prompting speculation about a potential exit.
Onana, who was signed last summer to replace long-time United shot-stopper David De Gea, has endured a turbulent first season in English football. Despite being lauded for his composure with the ball at his feet and his distribution skills—traits manager Erik ten Hag prioritized in his recruitment—the 28-year-old has faced criticism for inconsistent form and high-profile mistakes that have cost United vital points.
During his appearance at an event in Ouagadougou, Onana was asked directly about his future at Manchester United. Instead of offering reassurances or expressing a desire to remain, he responded vaguely: “Will I leave? I don’t know, we’ll see!” The comment, devoid of clarity or conviction, has only intensified rumors that the club may be preparing for life without him.
Reports have already linked United with potential replacements, including Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, further fuelling speculation that Onana could be moved on despite having four years left on his contract, which runs until 2028.
The former Inter Milan goalkeeper arrived in Manchester with high expectations after a stellar campaign in Italy, which saw him reach the UEFA Champions League final.
However, the Premier League has proven to be an unforgiving environment, and his debut season has exposed vulnerabilities in his game, particularly in terms of decision-making and shot-stopping under pressure.
Onana’s struggles have been reflected in United’s defensive record. Over the course of the Premier League season, the club conceded 44 goals in 34 appearances with him in goal and managed only nine clean sheets. These statistics have raised concerns among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning whether the gamble to move on from De Gea has paid off.
Tensions were further inflamed earlier in the season when Onana made controversial remarks to the media prior to a Europa League clash with Lyon. His comments, widely perceived as poorly timed and unconstructive, drew criticism from both inside and outside the club. The episode added to a growing sense of discomfort surrounding his integration into the team.
While Manchester United have yet to issue any official statement regarding their stance on Onana’s future, the player’s own ambiguity will do little to quash the mounting speculation. For a club keen to rebuild and reassert itself among Europe’s elite, uncertainty surrounding the number one position is far from ideal.
With pre-season preparations looming and transfer activity already underway, the coming weeks may prove pivotal. Whether Onana remains to fight for his place or is ushered out for a new face between the posts could depend as much on internal evaluations as on the goalkeeper’s willingness to stay and respond to his critics. As things stand, however, the message from Onana is far from reassuring—and the door to an early departure appears more open than ever.
