Manchester United should have come back from France with a 2-1 win but for Andre Onana’s injury-time mistake that allowed Olympique Lyonnais to equalise with practically the last kick of the game.
The Cameroonian was equally culpable for the first goal conceded last Thursday and it was the United No 1’s eighth direct error since joining the Red Devils, more than any other Premier League keeper.
It almost seemed like Nemanja Matic’s pre-match words came true and Ruben Amorim rightly took him out of the firing line for the league game against Newcastle on Sunday.
There have been reports of the club losing faith in him but his teammates and coach have continued to back him publicly with i News even claiming that the players have supported him wholeheartedly this week in a bid to build up his confidence.
Onana gets backed by teammates
It must be remembered that Amorim is likely to reinstate him for Thursday’s season-defining second leg fixture even though a final decision is yet to be taken.
“Amorim left Onana at home at the weekend so the United stopper could get his head together ahead of his side’s do-or-die Europa League second leg on Thursday.
“While Amorim is expected to stick with Onana for that game after Bayindir failed to impress at St James’ Park, The i Paper has been told no decision has been made yet. Even Onana has been kept in the dark.
“Sources say his Onana’s teammates have been supportive of the under-fire goalkeeper and have rallied around him this week.”
It has been a difficult week personally for the 29-year-old and even his family with the shot-stopper also getting linked with an exit in the summer.
Goalkeeping changes on the cards
The goalie even brought his agent to Carrington recently with his future up in the air. There is interest from Saudi Arabia with the Red Devils reportedly in the market for a new keeper.
As for Altay Bayindir, he failed to cover himself in glory when presented the chance to stake his claim, with his mispass allowing the Magpies to score their fourth of the day.
He is also expected to depart back to his homeland while Tom Heaton could be absorbed into the coaching staff so either way, INEOS might need a revamp in this department.
Multiple keepers from within the country and abroad have been linked with a move and it is up to Onana to try and convince the Portuguese tactician that he can get his act together.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
