Out-of-sorts Man Utd man ‘intends to stay’ at club while they search for his replacement – unless told otherwise

In partnership with

Stretty News

·26. März 2025

Out-of-sorts Man Utd man ‘intends to stay’ at club while they search for his replacement – unless told otherwise

After being heavily linked with a premature move away from Old Trafford this summer, Andre Onana has no plans to depart anytime soon.

Indeed, the struggling shot-stopper is believed to be a subject of interest for clubs in the Saudi Pro League, with any prospective deal likely to give Manchester United a much-needed cash injection, given he’ll be 29 at the time the window opens.

OneFootball Videos

While those links have begun doing the rounds, reports have suggested the Reds are in the market for a new No.1 entirely, having conceded that Onana is no longer suitable for the role beyond this term. Altay Bayindir is also expected to be moved on, as he’s keen on securing regular game time to boost his chances of featuring for Turkey at the 2026 World Cup.

INEOS start eyeing Onana’s successor

Onana has failed to have the desired impact since signing for United. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

One target being strongly considered is ex-Manchester City star James Trafford. The 22-year-old is in his second year at Burnley after signing in a £15 million deal in July 2023.

He endured a torrid campaign between the sticks at Turf Moor upon the Clarets’ return to the top flight but has enjoyed a stellar term thus far in the Championship, keeping 26 clean sheets and conceding only 11 goals.

Yet, as far as Onana’s aware, he’s still planning for 2025/2026 in United colours. According to ESPN, the experienced Cameroonian ‘intends to stay’ put over the summer – unless he is directly told that he’s been deemed ‘surplus to requirements’.

He is tied down on a contract until 2028, and United ‘would need to recoup a significant portion’ of his £43.8m transfer fee to ‘avoid recording a loss on the books’. As such, you can imagine why a potential Saudi swoop would prove ideal for INEOS.