Andre Onana is believed to have made a decision over his Manchester United future amid a slew of criticism into his shaky performances between the sticks for the Red Devils.
The former Inter Milan goalkeeper arrived ahead of the 2023-24 season after being drafted into the side by his old Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag.
Although Onana struggled during the first-half of the season, there were bright moments in his initial campaign and he kept hold of the No1 jersey.
But the Cameroon international’s second term has been no easier, with a number of recent spills catching the eye amid the side’s woeful 2024-25 campaign.
Onana was called out for his display against Ipswich last week by former professionals Robbie Savage and Rio Ferdinand for his role in Jade Philogene’s opener for the visitors, with both pundits critical of his decision-making.
The 28-year-old did redeem himself to some degree on Sunday in the Manchester side’s FA Cup clash against Fulham, making two crucial saves during the match, but was not able to prevent his team being knocked out of the competition on penalties.
Andre Onana is thought to have made up his mind about his time at Manchester United
The shot-stopper has come in for criticism after being held responsible for mistakes – such as against Ipswich last week
Onana came under heavy scrutiny for his role in Man United’s Boxing Day defeat to Wolves
Although there have been suggestions that Onana might look to rediscover his very best form away from Old Trafford, as per Manchester Evening News, staying at the club remains a priority for the shot-stopper.
This desire is believed to come in opposition to head coach Ruben Amorim’s plans, with the Portuguese head coach thought to be eyeing a move for a new goalkeeper in the upcoming summer transfer window.
As the squad stands, Onana’s No2 is Turkey international Altay Bayindir, with club veteran Tom Heaton another reserve within the ranks.
But Bayindir could yet be interested in gaining more playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup next term, while Heaton is expected to retire with the expiration of his Man United contract in June.
Monday saw Sport Witness suggest that one of the goalkeeper’s Amorim has his sights set on is AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, with Onana’s position in the squad a major factor in whether the club moves for the France No1.
Onana has been urged by pundits to reconsider playing away from the Premier League in the past, with ex-Man United ‘keeper Massimo Taibi advising him to cut his losses in December.
‘I’d be straight to the point and tell him, “Andre, you are one of the best keepers in Europe but in the Premier League, you are under-performing. Block out criticism, do some soul-searching, press the reset and go again. And if things don’t change by June, move on”,’ Taibi said.
‘I think subconsciously the United environment isn’t ideal for him and when a marriage is showing cracks, it’s pointless to continue. Sometimes things don’t work out at a team and it’s best to go separate ways, which would not be a failure.
But the player is keen to recapture his very best form at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim
The Portuguese head coach is believed to be keen to recruit a new goalkeeper this summer
‘For me he’s a strong goalkeeper who finds himself in a situation where he can’t show his skills because he is not cut out for the English game. He’s only suited to the Prem when it comes to his ball-playing ability and structure.’
Ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup tie, Amorim admitted that his mind was already set on a summer reset and offered a public warning to under-performing members of his squad ahead of the transfer window opening.
He said: ‘Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on. If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear.
‘I was a player and like to use that experience – when you are honest with someone, they can take it.
‘In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand. I’m quite honest with my players and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season.’
Out of their final domestic cup contest, Man United will now shift focus to the Europa League with a trip to Real Sociedad for the first leg of their round of 16 tie.
