Manchester United came back from a goal down to take a late lead against Olympique Lyonnais in their Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday only to get pegged back with the last kick of the game.
When substitute Joshua Zirkzee popped up to score the visitors’ second of the night, Ruben Amorim must have thought his team would be travelling back to Manchester with a goal advantage.
But Andre Onana, who was culpable for the French side’s first goal, had other plans as he parried a simple shot which was hit straight at him right to Rayan Cherki’s feet who made no mistake.
The worst part was this performance was preceded by former United midfielder Nemanja Matic terming Onana as the “worst keeper in recent history” and the ex-Inter Milan ace just proved him right.
While the head coach stopped short of criticising his goalkeeper for the errors, it is clear to see that the Portuguese tactician simply cannot continue to trust the Cameroonian.
Onana errors cost United
He was single-handedly responsible for the club’s early exit from the Champions League last season and this season, his mistakes have continued to cost the Red Devils in both the Premier League and Europa League.
The Manchester Evening News have claimed that the former Ajax ace is fearing for his place in the starting lineup after his latest debacle.
He would have been dropped earlier if not for Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton’s injuries but now that both are back, the Turkiye international is expected to start his first Premier League game on Sunday against Newcastle.
“Andre Onana is concerned he could be dropped by Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim after his latest howlers.
“Sources say Onana is uncertain he will start against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday, four days before the return leg against Lyon at Old Trafford. Altay Bayindir is under consideration to make his first Premier League start.”
Fears for his United place
Bayindir, who had hardly got a look in under Erik ten Hag, has made four starts under Amorim including his first European start as well.
While INEOS would have preferred to bring in a striker in the summer owing to Rasmus Hojlund’s dismal form, the truth is Onana is equally a major liability.
Amorim needs a new shot-stopper with both Heaton and Bayindir’s futures up in the air. A goalkeeping revamp could be on the cards.
One player who will not be joining is former United legend David de Gea, with the Spaniard set to agree a contract extension to stay at Fiorentina.
Feature image Michael Steele 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
