The future of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is “hanging in the balance” as sources at the club reveal the Red Devils may target a new number one in the summer, according to a report.
Give Me Sport reveals Old Trafford officials have been considering moves for “potential back-up goalkeepers” with the prospect of Altay Bayindir – the club’s current number two – leaving for more first-team opportunities elsewhere.
However, the report contends, Onana’s erratic displays, with the Cameroonian international playing a significant role in both of Ipswich Town’s goals in yesterday’s chaotic 3-2 win, may lead to “the No.1 shirt at Old Trafford being up for grabs.”
An Erratic Goalkeeper
Onana is a goalkeeping oddity in the sense the 28-year-old is an unorthodox shot stopper who relies on unusual techniques.
There are serious concerns over his fundamentals in goal with a series of high-profile mistakes since arriving at Old Trafford from Inter Milan in a £47.3 million move to replace long-term stalwart David De Gea.
And while Onana is capable of outstanding saves with incredible athleticism and reaction times, the former Ajax man is equally likely to produce moments such as the inexplicable mix-up with Patrick Dorgu for Ipswich’s first, or the bizarre reaction to the Tractor Boys’ second.
Goalkeepers are supposed to be the bedrock of a team. A calming influence on the defence who inspires confidence and is a source of strength and organisation. Edwin van der Sar, the Reds’ Champions League winning goalkeeper, was the epitome of this profile.
Onana, by comparison, is capable of saves Van der Sar could only dream of. Similarly, the Cameroonian is able to make long-range passes off either foot in a way his Dutch compatriot could rarely. But Onana also commits basic errors constantly which Van der Sar would make once in a blue moon, if that.
The United defence, and fanbase by extension, must be in a permanent state of anxiety when the ball goes near their goalkeeper. It’s this reason which undoubtedly played a role in Dorgu’s mistake last night.
The young Dane would have cleared the ball easily under strict instructions from Van der Sar if the Dutchman had been in goal. Instead, Onana rushes out to complicate matters and forces the inexperienced defender to make a bad decision, rather than guide him towards a good one.
Potential Replacements
Give Me Sport reveals James Trafford has been on United’s “radar since last summer” with the 22-year-old producing an impressive season in the Championship for Burnley.
Newcastle have been hotly linked with a move but the report reveals “Ruben Amorim could yet look to reignite negotiations and potentially offer [Trafford] the opportunity to challenge for the No.1 spot.”
“While a Trafford deal seems to be progressing with Newcastle, Manchester United still have a window of opportunity to make a move if they now decide to look more intensely at their options,” Give Me Sport concludes.
Similarly, Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel are long-term targets at Old Trafford with the report listing both as potential options to replace Onana if the club decides an upgrade is needed this summer.
Give Me Sport also reveals United’s interest in Atletico Madrid number two Juan Musso, but this would fall into the category of ‘back-up’ options rather than a direct replacement for Onana.
“Atletico Madrid’s Juan Musso has been mentioned in connection with the Red Devils, sources suggest that there is little interest in him becoming the club’s primary shot-stopper, given his current back-up role in Spain.”
It’s clear the pressure Onana is under is growing by the week at Old Trafford. And the fact the 28-year-old’s goalkeeping fundamentals are only likely to exacerbate this pressure, rather than alleviate it, does not bode well for his long-term future in Amorim’s side.
Featured image Clive Rose via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
