Manchester United finally decided enough is enough, and opted to send Andre Onana out on loan to Trabzonspor for the rest of the season.
The Cameroonian was at fault for the Red Devils’ humiliating exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town a few weeks ago, while last season, he cost Ruben Amorim’s side the Europa League trophy.
Initially, all the noise coming out from the club seemed to suggest the ex-Ajax ace was going to stay, much to the disappointment of fans who were demanding a change in goal.
Monaco, and several Saudi Pro League sides were turned down, but in the end, it was Sir Jim Ratcliffe who stepped in to ensure the Cameroon international departed, as per The Daily Mail.
Sir Jim did not mince his words
Andre Onana was taken aback by the ruthless call, but it was certainly the right one, with INEOS bringing in Senne Lammens on deadline day as his replacement.
Amorim made it clear to the hierarchy that the Erik ten Hag signing’s performances on the pitch and him returning to pre-season training with an injury did not impress him one bit.
Add to this the negative influence he might have on the newly-signed Belgian, and it was clear that a departure was the best course of action.
“Sir Jim Ratcliffe supported the decision to ditch Andre Onana as Manchester United’s No 1 goalkeeper which has taken the Cameroon international by surprise.
Bye Bye Onana
“Confidential understands Amorim was unhappy that Onana suffered a hamstring tear on his second day of pre-season after returning from Cameroon, where a video emerged of him playing outfield on a muddy makeshift pitch with friends.
“The United boss, who was also wary of Onana’s omission becoming a distraction for Lammens as the Belgian settles in, reached the decision to move him on with director of football Jason Wilcox.
“It was supported by minority owner Ratcliffe, who made his thoughts on Onana clear in March when he spoke publicly about the players who were still costing United money in installments owed to their old clubs, following his investment in United.”
United have no intentions of reintegrating the shot-stopper once his loan contract ends, with INEOS hoping he can rediscover a semblance of his old form so that they can sell to the highest bidder.
Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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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
