Agent of chaos: United loanee plots explosive Old Trafford return after being exiled by Amorim – report

INEOS sent shockwaves across the Premier League last week after reaching the bombshell decision to sack Ruben Amorim as Manchester United’s head coach, plunging the club into a state of chaos in the process. And while chaos brings a wave of panic and uncertainty, it can also act as a ladder – with one player exiled by the Portuguese coach now believing he can climb back into the fold at Old Trafford. Exiled in Türkiye The Red Devils signed Andre Onana from Inter Milan for £47.2 million in the summer of 2023, with the intention of the goalkeeper helping evolve the team’s ability to play out from the back. But just two years on, the Cameroon international’s current situation – on a season-long loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor since the summer – is a testament to how much this plan failed. Poor transfers are the norm in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson malaise, but Onana’s arrival with the reputation as one of Europe’s best shot stoppers – and the reality of what United fans have been subject to – means he ranks as highly, or lowly, depending on your perspective, as any other recruit. The 29-year-old was forced out of the club in September, after the English transfer window had shut – but Türkiye’s remained open – by Amorim, who faced his own unceremonious exit on Monday morning last week. Onana had been replaced by back-up Altay Bayindir in United’s starting eleven, after anger at the Cameroonian reporting for pre-season with an injury sustained in a casual kick around – which The Sun describes as the “final straw” for Amorim. There was also frustration at Onana pushing for a new deal after a dismal campaign, with their number 24 one of the chief villains in the club’s worst season in the Premier League, topped off by defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. The arrival of Belgian shot stopper Senne Lammens, signed on deadline day from Royal Antwerp, sealed his fate, as he was relegated to third choice in goal. A loan deal to Trabzonspor was hastily arranged with the Super Lig hotshots providing full wage coverage, as the Turkish window did not shut until September 12. But there was no fee, nor any buy option included – which further reflects how far Onana’s stock as has fallen since arriving in Manchester. The former Ajax and Inter star was given a heroes welcome by the Black Sea Storm fans, but he has demonstrated the same inconsistencies and mistakes in Türkiye that plagued him in England. MetricValue (2025/26) CompetitionSüper Lig Appearances13 Goals Conceded19 Clean Sheets3 Yellow Cards1 Red Cards0 Minutes Played1170′ Trabzonspor are third in the Super Lig, seven points off table toppers Galatasaray. But they have conceded eight more goals than their rivals, with Onana only keeping three clean sheets since his arrival. In contrast, Lammens has been a breath of fresh air, if air could be reliable, safe, steady, and unfazed by the pressure of being United’s No 1, despite being just 23 years of age – a baby in goalkeeping years. Eyeing a Return The Belgian’s impressive performances appeared to have ruled out any prospect of Onana returning the United first team, even if Trabzonspor do not sign him permanently this summer. But Amorim’s departure has sparked hope for the Cameroonian of “getting another shot” at Old Trafford under different leadership, according to the i Paper. “Onana’s time in Manchester was error-strewn, but sources close to the player believe that if a head coach comes in who favours goalkeepers playing the ball out with their feet – like Xavi – they may turn to the Trabzonspor loanee once more,” the report details. It would constitute a remarkable change in fortunes if Onana was to be reintegrated into the fold by a new head coach, making him perhaps the biggest winner from the changing of the guard in the United dugout. But the loanee’s performances for Trabzonspor have done little to support this idea, with the i Paper revealing he himself considers his aspirations as “faint hopes”. So tt least he appears to have developed a modicum more self-awareness since swapping England for Türkiye after a staggering number of displays of arrogance in a United shirt. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.