Reuben Amorim Issues Warning to Andre Onana After Goalkeeper Was Dropped Versus Arsenal
- Reuben Amorim insists Andre Onana must fight to retain Manchester United’s number one goalkeeper role this season
- The Cameroonian goalie has conceded 148 goals in two seasons, sparking doubts over his reliability at Old Trafford
- Man United are focused on attacking reinforcements instead of signing a new goalkeeper this summer
Manchester United manager Reuben Amorim has made it clear that Andre Onana’s position as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper is far from guaranteed.
Onana was dropped from the club’s first Premier League game of the season after not being listed in the squad to face Arsenal on Sunday.
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The 29-year-old, who joined the Red Devils from Inter Milan for £47.2million in 2023, endured a difficult first two seasons at Old Trafford.
Despite his struggles, Manchester United did not receive any formal bids when they considered offloading him for around £35m this summer.
Before Sunday’s Premier League opener against Arsenal, Amorim underlined that every player in his squad must earn their place on the pitch, Daily Express reports.
“Andre is like the other players. They all have to win their place, so I’m not going to say if one player is No.1,” he said.
“He’s ready to go to the game, so let’s wait. Me as a coach and the players can do better than last year, and I have full confidence in that.”
Onana’s struggles raise questions
Onana’s performance record has been a major talking point among fans and pundits since his arrival at Manchester United.
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The Cameroonian goalkeeper has conceded a staggering 148 goals across all competitions, with 102 of those coming in just 72 Premier League appearances, GOAL reports.
His inconsistent form reached its lowest point last season during a Europa League clash against Lyon, where his errors proved costly.
Amorim briefly benched Onana in April after a string of shaky displays, fueling speculation that the club would pursue a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window.
However, Manchester United’s hierarchy opted to prioritise strengthening other areas of the squad, particularly the attack, after the team managed just 44 Premier League goals last season.
Man United shift focus to attack
While Onana’s future remains uncertain, Man United have heavily invested in their frontline.
A combined £210m has been spent on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbuemo, with the aim of reigniting the club’s attacking threat.
Amorim believes the squad overhaul will bring balance, though the goalkeeping department remains an area of concern.
Turkey international Altay Bayindir, signed as backup, has failed to impress since joining the Red Devils, while veteran Tom Heaton has been handed a one-year contract extension to provide stability.
The reliance on Onana this season highlights Man United’s limited options, but Amorim’s latest comments suggest the Cameroonian cannot afford another season of inconsistency.
Onana’s exit decision uncovered
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Manchester United are willing to part ways with goalkeeper Onana, who has drawn interest from Saudi Pro League club Neom SC this summer.
Despite his reported desire to stay and fight for his spot, a report has it that the Cameroonian international is in advanced talks with newly-promoted Neom SC.
Source: Legit.ng
