Andre Onana’s Future at Manchester United Under Threat as Reuben Amorim Issues Warning

Manchester United’s new era under manager Reuben Amorim has started with a bold and telling decision: Andre Onana, the club’s £47.2 million goalkeeper, was left out of the squad for their Premier League opener against Arsenal. This move sent shockwaves through Old Trafford and beyond, raising questions about whether the Cameroonian’s place as United’s undisputed No.1 is truly secure.

For Onana, who arrived from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023 amid much fanfare, it has been anything but smooth sailing. His two years at Old Trafford have been defined by inconsistency, high-profile errors, and debates about whether he is the right man to guard United’s goal in their push to return to the top of English and European football.

Now, Amorim’s public statement has made it clear: nobody, not even a marquee signing like Onana, is guaranteed a place in the starting XI.

A Difficult Start to Life at Old Trafford

When Manchester United secured Onana’s services in 2023, it was seen as a defining moment for Erik ten Hag’s rebuild. Onana was viewed as the perfect modern goalkeeper — comfortable with the ball at his feet, commanding in distribution, and experienced at the highest level after leading Inter Milan to the Champions League final.

However, the Premier League proved to be an unforgiving environment. In his debut season, Onana conceded 66 goals across all competitions. While not all were directly his fault, several high-profile mistakes — including misjudged crosses, poor clearances, and lapses in concentration — put him under immediate scrutiny.

The pressure intensified in his second season, with United’s defensive frailties leaving him exposed. According to GOAL, Onana has shipped 148 goals in just two seasons, with 102 coming in the Premier League alone. That translates to an average of 1.4 goals conceded per match — far too high for a club with ambitions of competing with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

His nadir came in a Europa League fixture against Lyon, where two costly blunders led directly to goals. Social media exploded with criticism, and pundits began openly speculating whether United would be better off cutting their losses.

Amorim’s Statement of Intent

Ahead of United’s opening match against Arsenal this season, Amorim faced inevitable questions about his squad selection and Onana’s omission. His response was diplomatic but telling:

“Andre is like the other players. They all have to win their place, so I’m not going to say if one player is No.1. He’s ready to go to the game, so let’s wait. Me as a coach and the players can do better than last year, and I have full confidence in that.”

While carefully worded, the implication was clear: Onana will no longer be shielded by reputation or transfer fee. Amorim, known for his tactical discipline and merit-based team selection during his time at Sporting Lisbon, is determined to create a culture of accountability at Old Trafford.

This approach aligns with his broader philosophy. At Sporting, Amorim wasn’t afraid to bench senior players if their performance dipped, opting instead to give chances to hungry youngsters. That same ruthlessness could now define his reign at United.

The Transfer Market Dilemma

Despite Onana’s struggles, Manchester United opted not to replace him this summer. Reports suggest that the club considered offers in the region of £35m but received no formal bids, largely due to his high wages and erratic form.

Instead, the club focused heavily on strengthening their attack. A staggering £210m was splashed on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbuemo — three players expected to revamp United’s frontline after last season’s dismal return of just 44 Premier League goals.

While this investment excites fans, it also highlights a significant risk: United still lack a reliable solution between the posts. Altay Bayindir, the Turkish international signed last year as a backup, has failed to impress in limited appearances, while veteran Tom Heaton, now 38, was given a one-year extension purely for experience and stability.

In essence, United are left heavily reliant on Onana. But with Amorim refusing to grant him automatic status, the goalkeeper is on notice: perform, or risk losing your place in a squad with very few alternatives.

Why Onana is Struggling

To understand Onana’s situation, it’s worth analyzing the root causes of his decline.

Adapting to the Premier League

Unlike Serie A, where defensive structures are often tighter, the Premier League is played at a relentless tempo. Goalkeepers face a greater volume of crosses, set pieces, and high-intensity pressing. Onana’s sweeper-keeper style, which worked wonders at Inter, has left him exposed in England, where mistakes are punished mercilessly.

United’s Defensive Instability

No goalkeeper can thrive without a solid defense in front of them. Injuries to Raphael Varane, inconsistent form from Harry Maguire, and the departure of experienced heads have made United’s backline a revolving door. Onana has rarely played behind a settled defensive unit, amplifying his struggles.

Psychological Pressure

The weight of expectation at Manchester United is immense. Replacing David de Gea — a club legend and fan favorite — was always going to be difficult. Onana’s high-profile errors early in his tenure dented his confidence, and every subsequent mistake has only added to the scrutiny.

Distribution vs. Shot-Stopping

While Onana’s passing range and composure in possession are elite, critics argue that he lacks the reflexes and consistency of top shot-stoppers like Alisson or Ederson. United’s fans, already skeptical after years of mediocrity, demand more reliability in goal.

Fans and Pundits Divided

The debate around Onana has split opinion among fans and pundits. Some argue that he deserves patience, noting that goalkeepers often take time to adapt to the Premier League. They also highlight his role in helping Inter Milan reach the Champions League final, proving he can perform at the highest level.

Others, however, see him as symptomatic of United’s broader decline — an expensive gamble who has failed to live up to the hype. Former players have openly questioned whether United can win major trophies with him as their No.1.

On social media, the criticism is often brutal. Every mistake is dissected, every goal conceded pinned on him, fair or not. In the unforgiving world of modern football, perception can be just as damaging as performance.

What’s Next for Onana?

Onana now faces the most critical season of his career. With Amorim’s ruthless stance, he must prove he can adapt, cut out errors, and become the dependable presence United desperately need.

Several scenarios loom:

Redemption Arc – Onana thrives under pressure, stabilizes his performances, and silences critics, much like David de Gea did in his early years at Old Trafford.

Rotation Battle – Amorim alternates between Onana and Bayindir, fostering competition but creating uncertainty in a key position.

Exit Strategy – If performances fail to improve, United could revisit the transfer market in 2026, cutting their losses and pursuing a more consistent replacement.

The Wider Implications for Manchester United

Onana’s situation reflects larger themes in United’s current rebuild. For years, the club has been criticized for poor recruitment, lack of long-term strategy, and overreliance on expensive signings that fail to deliver.

By refusing to guarantee Onana’s place, Amorim is making a statement not just to the goalkeeper but to the entire squad: no one is untouchable. This culture shift could be exactly what United need to rediscover their competitive edge.

At the same time, the decision carries risks. Goalkeeper instability can destabilize a team, particularly in a season where United are expected to challenge for a top-four finish and compete in Europe. The balance between accountability and continuity will be delicate.

Andre Onana’s Manchester United career hangs in the balance. Once heralded as the modern goalkeeper who would revolutionize the Red Devils’ style of play, he now finds himself fighting for survival under a manager who prizes performance over reputation.

Reuben Amorim’s message is clear: Onana must earn his place, or risk being left behind. For United fans, the hope is that this tough-love approach sparks a redemption arc rather than a prolonged crisis.

One thing is certain — the coming months will define not just Onana’s future, but also Manchester United’s ability to rebuild and finally return to the summit of English football.