Last weekend brought a disappointing update regarding Andre Onana.
It emerged that the Cameroonian international had suffered a hamstring injury, initially feared to be a tear, which was expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks.
A major blow
The timing could not have been worse. Just as it became clear that Ruben Amorim was prepared to stick with Onana as his number one, the injury struck.
Despite the goalkeeper’s struggles last season, United’s technical bench appeared ready to back him, prioritising reinforcements in other areas of the team.
Naturally, attention turned to how United would respond. Links to alternative options, such as John Victor and Emiliano Martínez, have emerged (and have been circulating).
However, a new update may now shift the narrative.
Onana’s injury is not as severe as feared
According to The Mirror, Onana’s injury is not as severe as first reported.
While initial assessments suggested a tear, it is now understood to be a strain, and the player is already on the mend.
“But it is understood Onana’s injury — a strain, not a tear — is not as bad as first feared and he is responding well to treatment from United’s medical and physio team,” the report claims.
Even so, Onana is not going to be available for the Red Devils’ next encounter.
“Although Onana will miss United’s pre-season opener against Leeds in Stockholm on Saturday, he will travel with the rest of the squad for the three-game tour of the US,” adds the report.
Hope for an early return
The tour will see Amorim’s men featuring in the Premier League Summer Series against West Ham (July 27th), Bournemouth (July 31st), and Everton (August 4th).
While Amorim would have preferred to test his number one in all three matches, that is unlikely to happen.
However, there is hope he could feature at a later stage.
“Onana will not feature in the opening two games, in New York and Chicago, but United are hopeful he will have recovered sufficiently to potentially play a part in the final game in Atlanta,” The Mirror adds.
Pressure off INEOS
With Onana potentially back before the season kicks off, INEOS may feel less urgency to rush into signing a new goalkeeper.
Instead, they can take time to assess the futures of Altay Bayındır and Radek Vitek, decisions that could shape whether United pursue fresh competition for Onana.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
