Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is under pressure ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Lyon, a game that could define both his season and his future at the club.
The Cameroonian was in the spotlight after the first leg of the quarter-final ended in a 2-2 draw in France. Before the game, Onana confidently claimed that United were “way better” than Lyon, which didn’t go down well with Lyon fans — or Nemanja Matic, a former United player now with Lyon, who fired back by calling Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history.”
Onana’s words came back to haunt him as he was blamed for both goals conceded in that game. As a result, manager Ruben Amorim left him out of the starting lineup in United’s next match against Newcastle, where Altay Bayindir started in goal. However, Bayindir also struggled, especially on Newcastle’s fourth goal, and United lost 4-1.
Now, Amorim must make a big decision: stick with Bayindir or bring back Onana for the all-important second leg at Old Trafford.
Losing on Thursday would likely end United’s season, as their Premier League form has been poor, leaving them in 14th place with just six games left. A win, however, would keep their Europa League hopes alive — and possibly secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
Onana joined United in 2023 for around £47 million from Inter Milan, brought in by then-manager Erik ten Hag, who praised his passing and ball control.
The 29-year-old has shown moments of brilliance but has also made too many mistakes. According to stats from Opta, no Premier League goalkeeper has made more errors leading to goals since last season than Onana, who has made eight.
To make matters worse, David de Gea, the goalkeeper Onana replaced, is now doing well at Fiorentina in Italy.
After the Lyon game, Amorim defended Onana and explained why he was left out of the Newcastle match. “Sometimes players need time to disconnect mentally,” he said, adding that mental strength is just as important as physical performance.
Despite the criticism, Onana has also had his positives. Based on expected goals stats, he ranks just behind Everton’s Jordan Pickford in terms of goals prevented this season.
Still, Thursday’s match could determine how the rest of United’s season — and Onana’s role at the club — plays out.
A win would offer hope. A loss could mark the end of the road.
