By: Boluwatife Kehinde
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has shed light on the decision to part ways with goalkeeper André Onana, who has joined Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan after a difficult spell at Old Trafford.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby against Manchester City, Amorim admitted the club felt a change was necessary in the goalkeeping department.
“Onana did great at Inter, but as a club, now we needed a change,” Amorim explained. “Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why. Performance, the moment, and even bad luck in some situations worked against him. I wish André all the very best.”
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Onana, 25, endured a turbulent two years in Manchester after signing from Inter Milan in 2023 as a replacement for long-serving goalkeeper David De Gea.
While his debut season started positively, featuring all 38 Premier League matches with eight clean sheets and an FA Cup triumph, his form dipped considerably last term.
The Cameroonian international was often under scrutiny for costly errors, and United’s struggles culminated in a 15th-place Premier League finish. Over his time at the club, he conceded 102 goals.
This season, Onana’s involvement was limited to just one outing, a Carabao Cup second-round defeat to Grimsby Town, highlighting how far he had fallen down the pecking order. With Amorim eager to rebuild, Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayındır has been installed as United’s new No.1, edging out summer arrival Senne Lammens.
Onana’s career, however, remains decorated with moments of real quality. During his single season at Inter Milan in 2022/23, he made 24 Serie A appearances with eight clean sheets and was outstanding in Europe, registering another eight shutouts in 13 Champions League matches as Inter reached the final. His efforts earned him a spot in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season.
READ ALSO: Amorim’s big call: Onana’s Man Utd future in doubt
Despite the disappointment in Manchester, Amorim stressed that Onana’s talent is not in doubt. “He is a top goalkeeper and will prove that again,” he said.
For now, Onana will attempt to rebuild his confidence and form in Turkey, hoping that a fresh environment can revive his once-rising career.
