Manchester United’s 0-2 Premier League loss at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace once again featured a mistake from Andre Onana.
While he did pull off a fine save to keep the scores level in the first-half, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opening goal was a result of another error from the Cameroonian.
He stood in no man’s land when Eberechi Eze’s hopeful freekick floated into the box was met by Maxence Lacroix. The defender’s looping header went over the goalkeeper’s reach and hit the post and the rebound was netted by Mateta.
The United No 1’s positioning was suspect to say the least and even if it was not as huge a mistake as the one against Brighton a couple of weeks ago, the 28-year-old keeps letting Ruben Amorim down.
Onana’s mistakes keep increasing
Altay Bayindir, despite his recent impressive cup form, has also committed high-profile errors this season and is yet to make his Premier League debut for the club.
A change in goal is clearly required in goal with United keeping an eye out for potential alternatives. But the solution could come from within the club itself.
Interestingly, Amorim picked young Elyh Harrison as one of the substitutes for the game against the Eagles on Sunday which clearly shows how highly-rated he is at the club.
The 18-year-old spent the first half of the season out on loan at National League North side Chester FC where he enjoyed a hugely successful temporary spell.
He kept seven clean sheets in 18 starts at the Deva Stadium, impressing United staff with his mature displays. He was recalled with a view to send him out on another loan, this time to a team higher up the EFL ladder.
📸 Elyh Harrison. #MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/SZUc7ylxfA
— 𝘔𝘜𝘍𝘊𝘋𝘏 (@MUFCDH) February 2, 2025
But clearly Amorim feels he can be of use and Harrison will not be going out on loan in this window despite interest from League One and Two clubs as per BBC.
“Manchester United brought teenage goalkeeper Elyh Harrison back from his loan spell at National League North side Chester earlier this month.
Elyh Harrison to remain at United
“Harrison was on the bench for yesterday’s 2-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace. However, despite interest from League One and League Two, the 18-year-old will now spend the rest of the season at Old Trafford.”
The England U18 international is only the second goalkeeper to win the Reserve Player of the Year award, which he won last season for his splendid performances for both the U18s and U21s.
He also became the second youngest to be conferred the award since Adnan Januzaj back in 2013. United coaches feel he has the potential to break into the first team.
With Amorim choosing to keep him at the club amid mistakes from both Onana and Bayindir, there could be a chance for him if he keeps impressing in training.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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
