‘Andre Onana set for to stay at Man United after Ruben Amorim decision’
Andre Onana is set to stay at Man United after Ruben Amorim made a decision on the club’s transfer strategy for the summer.
The Cameroonian shot-stopper has endured another up-and-down season for the Red Devils, two years after joining the club in a £47.2million [BBC Sport] from Inter Milan.
Having become involved in a war of words with former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, Onana made two errors leading to goals against Lyon and was subsequently dropped for the following game against Newcastle.
Onana has been linked with a move away from Man United, but with a squad full of gaps to plug, Mail Online reports the Cameroonian is unlikely to leave Old Trafford this summer despite interest.
Ruben Amorim prioritises other positions over goalkeeper
As reported, Onana has been linked with a move to the recently-promoted Neom SC in Saudi Arabia, and whilst the interest is genuine talks of the ex-Ajax goalkeeper leaving appear to be premature.
Amorim has reportedly prioritised strengthening other positions in the coming transfer window, while the former Inter shot-stopper is said to be determined to make a success of his career at Old Trafford.
Neom would not be the only team interested in Onana and would face competition from a number of teams in Europe if United were to sell him, but it appears unlikely to happen this summer.
Andre Onana can be a success in Manchester if Ruben Amorim utilises him correctly
Football Insider Verdict
Prior to Man City’s Champions League final against Inter in 2023, Pep Guardiola was asked by Thierry Henry about the issues the Italian’s back-five could pose to his side.
The Spaniard then took the opportunity to highlight just how impressed he was with the Nerazzuri’s goalkeeper, saying via The Mirror: “The goalkeeper, Onana, makes it really difficult to deploy a high press against. You cannot press the goalkeeper properly.”
He then said: “For the way they play, with the high press, Onana is an exceptional goalkeeper to take the position to build-up. Really, really good.”
High praise from one of the true masters of the modern game, and yet, two years on the Cameroonian has looked shaky and unimpressive for United.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Onana |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Clean sheets | 9 |
| Goals conceded | 43 |
| Errors leading to goal | 3 |
| Save percentage | 67.2% |
When looking at the differences between Onana during his time in Italy and now in England, the goalkeeper is asked to go long with the ball far more often, attempting to pick out a striker with a deep pass.
However, during his time with Inter, the Cameroonian was often playing next to his defenders, sliding splitting passes through the midfield into the feet of his attackers.
The struggles Onana is facing are indicative of United’s haphazard recruitment strategy, time-and-time again signing a player and then not playing to their strengths.
The former Ajax man can be a success in Manchester, but only if Amorim starts playing in a way that suits his skillset.