The Real Reasons Behind Onana’s Manchester United Exit | OneFootball

From Old Trafford to Trabzon

Andre Onana’s time at Manchester United has drawn to a premature close, with the Cameroon international goalkeeper set to begin a new chapter in Turkey with Trabzonspor.

For much of the summer, according to Laurie Whitwell in the Athletic, it appeared likely Onana would remain part of Ruben Amorim’s plans. His experience at the top level, including last year’s Champions League final with Inter, carried weight despite inconsistency in England. Yet a combination of injury, fluctuating form and managerial preference shifted the picture dramatically.

Altay Bayindir, despite questions over his consistency, became Amorim’s preferred option. United’s subsequent capture of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens underlined the club’s long-term direction. That left Onana with little choice but to seek opportunities elsewhere — and Trabzonspor, a club eager to re-establish themselves among Turkey’s elite, provided the exit route.

Shifting Dynamics at Manchester United

Onana’s decline at United was as rapid as it was unexpected. Signed with expectations of becoming a long-term No 1, his first season unravelled under the weight of errors and off-field distractions. A public disagreement with Nemanja Matic, followed by costly mistakes in domestic and European competitions, eroded his standing within the squad.

Pre-season was supposed to be a fresh start. Instead, an untimely hamstring injury stalled his progress. Amorim’s patience appeared thin, and despite Onana’s visible determination to reclaim his place, he was overlooked for key fixtures against Arsenal, Fulham and Burnley.

Behind the scenes, figures such as director of football Jason Wilcox and Sir Jim Ratcliffe supported Amorim’s judgement. The acquisition of Lammens signalled a willingness to move forward without Onana, effectively closing the door on his Old Trafford career.

Why Trabzonspor Suited Onana

Trabzonspor’s pursuit was both opportunistic and pragmatic. With long-time goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir departing for Galatasaray in a high-profile transfer, the Black Sea side sought a proven replacement who could handle the intensity of Turkish football.

Onana fit the profile: strong distribution, capable under pressure, and eager to re-establish his reputation. For the player, the move not only guarantees regular football but also offers significant financial incentives, including signing bonuses and favourable tax conditions. His salary, reduced at United following their Champions League absence, will effectively double in Turkey.

For a 29-year-old goalkeeper whose confidence had visibly dipped, the chance to rebuild in a passionate footballing city like Trabzon is as much about stability as ambition.

What Comes Next

Though officially framed as a loan, Onana’s switch feels definitive. Few at United expect him to return, with his contract running until 2028 more a financial safeguard than an active pathway back into the first team.

Trabzonspor, currently well-placed in the Super Lig, present Onana with a stage to remind European clubs of his ability. Success could open doors next summer, while failure risks consigning him to the periphery of elite football.

For now, his focus shifts from Manchester’s derby battles to a new test on the Black Sea coast. How quickly he adapts will determine whether this chapter revives his career or becomes a footnote in the story of a goalkeeper once regarded among Europe’s most reliable.