Andre Onana is feeling ‘refreshed’ after being dropped for Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle United, a report has claimed.
Head coach Ruben Amorim omitted the Cameroon international from the travelling party to St James’ Park after two handling errors against Lyon denied United victory in the first leg of the pair’s Europa League quarter-final tie.
Onana’s replacement at the weekend, Altay Bayindir, didn’t fare any better as United were pumped 4-1 by Newcastle – a late kicking mistake aimed straight at Joelinton eventually led to Bruno Guimaraes sliding home the Magpies’ fourth.
ESPN report that Amorim is yet to decide whether or not to recall Onana as United welcome Lyon to Old Trafford for the second leg of their European tie on Thursday, but the 29-year-old is feeling ‘refreshed’ after being taken out of the firing line.
Onana’s United career has been full of ups and downs. The former Inter and Ajax stopper made a number of glaring errors in the early stages of his United tenure, but he grew in stature as the 2023/24 season wore on, making a number of important saves as the club rallied to win the FA Cup for Erik ten Hag.
However, the lapses in concentration have returned, leading to speculation that Amorim, who replaced Ten Hag in November, will look to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer. Porto’s Diogo Costa has regularly been linked, while former Arsenal number one, and current Southampton keeper, Aaron Ramsdale has emerged as a potential target in recent days.
Onana has changed agents recently, with The Athletic noting the switch was primarily to get a ‘fresh outlook’ ahead of potential new contract negotiations further down the line, but there’s no suggestion that he’s keen to leave the club at this time.
The Saudi Pro League have been suggested as a potential landing spot, should Onana end up departing, with a move elsewhere likely to be easier to negotiate as his wages have dropped by 25% as a result of United’s absence from the Champions League.
