Man United star makes major transfer decision | OneFootball

Onana Set to Stay as United Close on Lammens Deal

Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation is shaping into one of the summer’s most intriguing subplots. Despite weeks of speculation, Andre Onana looks set to remain at Old Trafford even as the club nears a £17 million agreement for Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, report The Daily Mail. The 23-year-old Belgian is being lined up as a long-term option, while Onana’s immediate future has been clouded by injury, form, and international commitments.

Uncertainty Around Onana’s Status

Ruben Amorim, under pressure to steady United after an opening day defeat at Arsenal, remains coy on whether Onana will reclaim his spot against Fulham this weekend. “Onana is ready to play like last week so we will see in the game who is going to be the goalkeeper,” the United boss explained, before confirming key absences: “Licha (Martinez) is out, Nous (Mazraoui) is out, the rest of the guys are fit.”

Photo: IMAGO

Onana’s pre-season absence through a hamstring injury opened the door for Altay Bayindir, who started at the Emirates but drew criticism after conceding from a corner. Amorim has refused to confirm if the Cameroon international is still his undisputed No 1.

Transfer Window Tensions

Both United and Onana expect him to stay when the transfer window shuts, yet Monaco’s £30 million interest earlier this summer and lingering links to Inter Milan underline the uncertainty. Lammens, at 6ft 3in and already a Belgium Under-21 international, represents a forward-looking move. Having debuted for Bruges in 2021 before moving to Antwerp two years ago, his profile fits United’s need for depth, particularly with Onana heading to the Africa Cup of Nations in December.

Forward Line in Flux

United’s business is far from finished. Rasmus Hojlund’s situation adds another layer of intrigue. Left out against Arsenal after Benjamin Sesko’s arrival, the Dane could return to Serie A, with Napoli leading the chase and AC Milan and Inter also circling. Asked how the striker has handled the uncertainty, Amorim replied: “Like a professional player. We need to see. Let’s wait until the market is closed and then everything is clear.”

Meanwhile, the so-called ‘bomb squad’ of Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia remain in limbo. Garnacho and Antony have drawn interest from Chelsea and Real Betis, while Sancho could head to Italy or Turkey. Amorim admitted, “I know that is not a good thing to have players in this situation, but it’s clear they want to play in a different club.”

The United boss summed up the challenge succinctly: “When the window is closed, it’s a different history, when the window is closed, we have to receive the players and in a new life, anything can happen.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This feels like a critical juncture for Manchester United. Supporters are split between relief that Onana is likely to stay and concern about the timing of his Africa Cup of Nations absence. Bringing in Lammens appears smart business, but questions linger over whether a 23-year-old with limited top-level experience can handle the pressure if thrust into action.

Fans will be equally fascinated by the Hojlund situation. To spend big last summer and now risk losing him so soon would raise eyebrows across Europe. For some, it signals a lack of long-term planning under the current regime. The uncertainty surrounding Garnacho, Sancho and Antony reflects deeper issues in squad management.

The prevailing mood among United fans could be summed up as expectant yet anxious. There is a desire for clarity before the window closes, but in truth, it feels like this squad may still look very different by September. Stability remains the word on everyone’s lips, yet that elusive ingredient continues to evade Old Trafford.