Manchester United had to leave France with only a draw to show for their efforts despite taking the lead in the 88th minute of their Europa League quarter-final first leg game against Olympique Lyonnais.
The game ended 2-2 with both Lyon goals coming from Andre Onana errors. The Cameroonian failed to deal with a routine free-kick delivered into the box for the first one while he parried a simple effort into the path of Rayan Cherki who equalised with practically the last kick of the game.
Ruben Amorim naturally was displeased with what he saw from his keeper, though he fell short of openly criticising his No 1. But the display made it clear that he cannot keep trusting the ex-Ajax star for the big occasions.
And thankfully, the 29-year-old has not made the trip to Tyneside with Altay Bayindir set for his Premier League debut on Sunday.
Onana’s mistakes have cost United
The 2023 summer signing fears he might lose his place in the starting lineup and there are rumours afloat of the Red Devils being in the market for a new keeper.
As per The Mirror, INEOS are eager to get rid of the error-prone star in the summer even if Onana himself is hell-bent on staying at Old Trafford.
The co-owners are so desperate to get rid that they are ready to sell him for only £20 million after buying him for £47.2 million from Inter Milan.
Saudi Pro League sides have been interested in the Cameroon international and the 20-time English league champions are hopeful they will come in for him in the summer given the discount on offer.
Casemiro, despite his resurgence, is also on the market for a similar price even though his wages will be a major obstacle for any interested party.
“Manchester United believe they can hand Ruben Amorim a £200million war chest this summer by cashing in on players he is prepared to sacrifice to finance an Old Trafford rebuild.
Price tag set
“As many as NINE members of Amorim’s first-team squad could depart the club in a bid to give the Portuguese a blank canvas after another season of struggle in the Premier League.
“The Reds are also ready to listen to offers for Casemiro, Andre Onana and Alejandro Garnacho, while Kobbie Mainoo’s future remains in doubt.
“Both Casemiro and Onana are expected to generate further interest from the Saudi Pro League and could raise £20million apiece.”
Hopefully, INEOS have realised that recruiting a new goalkeeper is as important as signing a new striker in the summer. Plenty of replacement names are doing the rounds.
Feature image Carl Recine 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
