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Andre Onana has been Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper since his £47.2 million move from Inter Milan in 2023. Initially brought in by former manager Erik ten Hag, with whom he worked at Ajax, it was expected of Onana to carry on his form from his standout performances at Inter, where he helped guide the Italian side to the 2023 Champions League final and won the Coppa Italia. However, he has endured a reportedly turbulent tenure at Old Trafford. He has reportedly faced scrutiny for a series of high-profile errors and inconsistent performances like in EFL Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town, where he saved only one of 12 penalties in a decisive shootout.
Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation has taken center stage in the early weeks of the 2025-26 season, with Andre Onana’s future at the club hanging in the balance. According to recent reports from the Manchester Evening News, the Cameroonian goalkeeper could still depart Old Trafford before the Turkish transfer window closes on September 12 or the Saudi Pro League window shuts on September 23.
The reported arrival of 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for a reported £18.1 million has intensified speculation about Onana’s role, as well as that of fellow shot-stopper Altay Bayindir, casting a shadow over their futures at the club. With Manchester United struggling to keep clean sheets and Onana’s performances under scrutiny, manager Ruben Amorim faces critical decisions about his goalkeeping department.
Andre Onana returned against Grimsby Town after being sidelined due to injury
The 2025-26 season has been particularly challenging for Andre Onana. A pre-season hamstring injury sidelined him for United’s summer tour of the United States, allowing Altay Bayindir to take the starting role for the opening three Premier League matches. Onana’s return to action in the Carabao Cup second-round tie against League Two side Grimsby Town proved disastrous. United ended up with a 2-2 draw at full-time, with Onana directly at fault for at least one of Grimsby’s goals, failing to claim a corner that led to Tyrell Warren’s strike. The Red Devils were subsequently eliminated on penalties, with Onana saving just one spot-kick, further fueling doubts about his reliability.
It was reported that this performance “hindered rather than helped his chances of starting” in subsequent matches, with Bayindir retaining his place for United’s dramatic 3-2 Premier League victory over Burnley. The signing of Senne Lammens has reportedly added a new dimension to United’s goalkeeping conundrum. While the English transfer window closed on September 1, opportunities remain for United to offload players, with Turkish clubs like Galatasaray and Fenerbahce reportedly monitoring the situation.
