Manchester United Set to Reshape Goalkeeping Plans After Disastrous Season | OneFootball

Goalkeeper Position Under Scrutiny as Manchester United Plot Major Rebuild

Uncertainty Surrounding Onana’s Future

Manchester United’s season, already heading for a historic low in terms of points, could soon spell the end for Andre Onana’s time as the club’s No.1. As The i Paper reported, “His mistakes against Lyon in United’s Europa League quarter-final first leg last week mean Amorim remains undecided over whether the Cameroonian will stay as his No 1 next term.”

It’s the type of detail that rarely escapes scrutiny at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim, who inherited a fractured dressing room and a team short of direction, now appears ready to use the final stretch of the campaign as an extended trial for many in the squad—including the goalkeeper. “That includes Onana,” The i Paper continues. “Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, Porto stopper Diogo Costa, Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and AC Milan’s French international Mike Maignan have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford.”

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Costly Mistakes and Off-Pitch Distractions

Onana’s season has been tumultuous. From high-profile errors in crucial European games to off-field personal distress, his first year in Manchester has been riddled with inconsistency. Eight errors leading to goals since the start of last season place him at the top of that unwanted Premier League list.

The Cameroonian’s poor showing in Lyon was punctuated by a post-match spat with former teammate Nemanja Matic. Onana insisted United were “way better” than the Ligue 1 side. Matic fired back, calling Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Man Utd history.”

It’s an unfiltered exchange that reflects the mood around Carrington—frustration, tension, and a desperate need for direction. Amorim, recognising the strain, gave Onana the weekend off to recover mentally after his wife was the victim of a street robbery in Alderley Edge. The club provided 24-hour protection following the attack, which understandably rattled the family.

No Guarantees Under Amorim

Despite the turmoil, Onana may still start in Thursday’s second leg against Lyon, largely because Altay Bayindir did little to inspire confidence at St James’ Park. Yet even with that opportunity, The i Paper reveals that “no decision has been made yet. Even Onana has been kept in the dark.”

With Bayindir expected to leave in the summer to seek regular football, United’s transfer strategy points toward acquiring a young, high-potential goalkeeper. Verbruggen, Costa, Suzuki, and Maignan all offer different qualities, but all would represent a change of direction—a focus on building something long-term.

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David De Gea’s name has surfaced, but The i Paper reports “a move to bring David De Gea back to Manchester is very unlikely to materialise.”

Rebuild Looms Large

Amorim’s arrival has done little to spark a turnaround in results, but his influence will likely be more profound this summer. Very few players are considered safe. The manager is ready to strip back the squad and build around hunger, consistency, and long-term potential. That vision doesn’t seem to guarantee a future for Onana.

What is certain is that United’s recruitment team is looking to reshape not only the goalkeeper department but the entire backbone of a side that has underperformed drastically. It’s a summer of decisions, and the clock is ticking.

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From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this is not unfamiliar territory—but it is uncomfortably familiar. Another season of failed expectations, another round of post-mortems, and another manager staring down a major rebuild.

Onana came in with fanfare and pedigree. Yet he’s never looked settled, neither with the ball at his feet nor commanding his area. The errors have cost the team—plain and simple. While personal issues off the pitch deserve empathy, United can’t afford sentiment when planning a revival. The club needs a reliable shot-stopper, not just a flamboyant one.