Goldbridge: Onana Is Not the Goalkeeper Manchester United Need | OneFootball

Manchester United Must Act: Goldbridge Blasts Onana After Lyon Draw

Onana Under Fire After Another Costly Mistake

In the wake of Manchester United’s disappointing draw against Lyon, The United Stand’s Mark Goldbridge has delivered a scathing assessment of goalkeeper André Onana. Speaking on the official United Stand clips channel, Goldbridge made no attempt to hide his frustration, stating, “Onana’s crap… the number 69 was better than you.” This blunt commentary encapsulates the growing sentiment among sections of the Manchester United fanbase that Onana’s time at Old Trafford should be nearing its end.

The clip opens with Goldbridge admitting, “I’m still fuming,” as he reflects on what should have been a victory. Instead, United conceded a soft equaliser, with fingers pointed squarely at the Cameroonian shot-stopper. Goldbridge did not mince words: “Onana’s got to go… he’s not a Man United goalkeeper. I think he’s proved that this week.”

Amarim’s Dilemma and the Future of the Goalkeeper Position

Much of the criticism wasn’t solely directed at Onana. Goldbridge also questioned the decision-making of manager Rúben Amorim, who has continued to back the underperforming goalkeeper. He cited a post-match interview in which Amorim stated, “We’ll stick to the plan,” and interpreted that as a possible indication Onana would remain in goal.

Photo: IMAGO

However, Goldbridge remained sceptical: “It’s on Amorim now if he keeps picking Anana and makes mistakes. It’s on the manager now. I’m sorry, it is.” He emphasised the weight of this decision, warning that, “If you ran a poll now, 99% are going to drop Onana.”

According to Goldbridge, Amorim is already eyeing replacements: “Am wants to replace Anana. From a good source… I’m happy that Onana is not part of Amorim’s future plans.” Whether this translates into action remains to be seen, but the direction of travel seems clear.

Cultural and Tactical Disconnect

A recurring theme in the discussion was the broader structural malaise at Manchester United. Goldbridge lamented the repetitive nature of the club’s progress, stating, “We’re stuck in a cycle. One step forward, one step back.” On Onana, he was unequivocal: “The reason we bought him isn’t relevant. We don’t play out from the back anyway.”

This reflects a tactical misfit between the goalkeeper’s skillset and the team’s current philosophy. “Jordan Pickford’s a better shot-stopper than Onana,” Goldbridge noted, further undermining the rationale for the initial transfer.

Fanbase Frustration and What Comes Next

The tone throughout the clip was one of exasperation and disbelief at the club’s direction. Goldbridge concluded: “Every time we have a good result, we’ll then mess it up very quickly.” It’s a sentiment echoed by many supporters, tired of inconsistency and what Goldbridge termed “banter cups” instead of true competitiveness.

Ultimately, Goldbridge’s remarks were not just a critique of one player but a clarion call for a change in strategy, leadership, and recruitment. “He is a liability and he has to go. 100%,” he insisted. For Manchester United, the time for sentiment and misalignment has passed. Whether Amorim heeds this warning could define the trajectory of his tenure.