Onana Could Remain Man Utd No.1 Under Amorim

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·20 April 2025

Onana Could Remain Man Utd No.1 Under Amorim

Onana Future Hinges on Transfer Interest

Andre Onana’s turbulent debut season at Man Utd has led to speculation over his long-term role at Old Trafford, but the Cameroon international may yet retain his place under new boss Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager has chosen to focus his summer rebuild on other positions, offering Onana an unexpected lifeline amid mounting scrutiny.

While Onana was dropped for the recent trip to Newcastle following a string of high-profile errors — including a costly display in the 2-2 Europa League first-leg draw against Lyon — Amorim reinstated him for the return fixture. The 29-year-old responded with a solid showing despite conceding four times in an eventual 7-6 aggregate win.

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The decision to stick with Onana, at least for now, reflects Amorim’s belief in managing players beyond the pitch.

“As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation,” said Amorim. “We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them also mentally.”

Amorim’s Transfer Strategy Shifts Away from Goalkeeper

Inside sources at Carrington suggest Amorim has directed his recruitment team to prioritise strengthening the spine and flanks of the team. His summer transfer agenda includes a top-level striker, two midfield reinforcements, a centre-back, and at least one wing-back. These targets indicate that any move for a new goalkeeper is far from imminent.

While Belgian talent Seine Lammens from Royal Antwerp is on the club’s radar, it is not expected to affect Onana’s status — unless a suitable offer arrives.

United are reportedly open to offers north of £20 million for Onana, with previous interest from Saudi Pro League clubs still simmering in the background. Should a formal bid materialise, it could help Man Utd’s efforts to remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Onana’s Numbers Under Scrutiny

Since arriving from Inter Milan in a £47 million deal, Onana has faced ongoing scrutiny over his performances. His Premier League record now reads 99 goals conceded in just 69 appearances — a statistic that’s hard to ignore given the club’s aspirations.

Even so, Amorim appears committed to seeing if Onana can rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most admired modern keepers. His approach leans heavily on psychological insight and personal dialogue.

“When I made that decision I talked with Andre and that is important for me to explain to the player to understand what I am thinking,” Amorim explained. “Sometimes the player is saying one thing and I understand it’s a different thing… It is my feeling as a coach that can make my decision more than what they are saying to me.”

“They want to show they are really confident and I can feel the other way. So I have the conversation but it is my decision in the end.”

Summer Decision Rests on Market Movements

Unless Man Utd receive a substantial offer for Onana, the expectation is that he will begin next season as Amorim’s first-choice goalkeeper. With no immediate push to replace him, all eyes will be on whether interest from the Gulf or elsewhere is reignited in the coming months.

Until then, Onana’s role remains secure — not necessarily because of his form, but due to Amorim’s broader tactical and financial priorities. It’s a stay of execution, but potentially an opportunity for redemption.

André Onana – Goalkeeper Radar Chart (Last 365 Days)

This radar chart provides a percentile-based breakdown of André Onana’s performance over the past 4,260 minutes, comparing him to fellow goalkeepers across three key areas: shot-stopping, distribution style, and passing & handling. The data, sourced from FBref and Opta, paints a picture of a goalkeeper with strengths in short distribution and average cross-claiming, but noticeable weaknesses in deeper passing and shot-stopping efficiency.

Shot-stopping Metrics:

Onana’s shot-stopping statistics are modest across the board. He ranks around the 45th percentile in save percentage, PSxG (Post-Shot Expected Goals) vs goals allowed, and save percentage on penalties (47th percentile). These middle-of-the-road numbers suggest he is not underperforming dramatically, but nor is he providing above-average security between the posts — a concern for a club like Man Utd.

Distribution Style and Execution:

Distribution is where Onana shows more variance. He ranks high in launch percentage on goal kicks (64th percentile) and general launch rate (60th), suggesting he mixes short and long play effectively. However, his average pass length (28th percentile) and pass completion on launched passes (only 13th percentile) indicate inaccuracy when attempting long distributions. This raises tactical questions about whether his style aligns with the club’s outfield structure.

Passing & Handling:

In terms of handling, Onana ranks 53rd percentile in crosses stopped — just above average — but the overall trend suggests he’s not a dominant presence aerially. His handling and basic distribution appear competent but not exceptional.

Verdict:

Onana offers value in short distribution and composure under pressure, but lacks elite-level shot-stopping and struggles with long-ball accuracy. These metrics underline why he remains under scrutiny, despite being given a potential second chance under Ruben Amorim.