Figures close to Old Trafford were left “surprised” by Andre Onana’s decision to leave Manchester United on loan rather than stay and fight for his place, according to a report.
Fallen Down the Pecking Order
Onana, 29, is poised to finalize a season-long loan to Trabzonspor – currently positioned second in the Super Lig – this week following an agreement reached with the Red Devils.
The Turkish transfer window closes on September 12 – this Friday – yet there is strong anticipation that the deal will be confirmed in time for Onana to make his debut for his new team this weekend.
Trabzonspor is set to face a rivalry match against Fenerbahce on Sunday, just hours after the Manchester Derby commences at the Etihad, a match in which Onana would have anticipated starting during United’s pre-season tour in the United States.
However, Ruben Amorim, who has shown a decisive approach since taking over at Old Trafford to succeed Erik ten Hag in November, opted to start the new season with Altay Bayindir as his primary goalkeeper, relegating Onana to the bench.
Despite this, neither goalkeeper has made a significant impact this season.
Bayindir has appeared uncertain in the Premier League, while Onana delivered a dismal performance in his sole start – the penalty shootout loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, where the Cameroon international nearly single-handedly eliminated United from the competition.
These disappointing performances prompted United to reconsider their initial decision not to pursue a new goalkeeper this summer, leading to an aggressive pursuit of Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens in the final days of the transfer window.
This strategy was fully supported by United’s executive team, having been agreed upon by Amorim and sporting director Jason Wilcox, and subsequently approved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
An inquiry was also made for Aston Villa and Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, but this was merely exploratory, with the primary focus remaining on Lammens – a player highly regarded by the recruitment team following an outstanding season in the Belgian Pro League last year.
In the closing hours of deadline day, an agreement was reached with Antwerp for the 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper to become United’s fifth senior signing this summer, following Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.
However, prior to this development, United had communicated to Onana that he remained an integral part of the squad after his representatives expressed concerns regarding his position in Amorim’s plans.
Nevertheless, the addition of Lammens further diminished the Cameroonian’s role at Old Trafford, where there are now four senior goalkeepers, including the experienced Tom Heaton.
Amorim is reportedly concentrating on Bayindir and Lammens as his two main choices for the goalkeeping position, which means Onana is likely to find it challenging to even be included in the matchday squad this season.
This uncomfortable situation prompted the 29-year-old to seek an exit from the Theatre of Dreams, despite the English transfer window having closed, with Turkey or Saudi Arabia being the only feasible options available.
Trabzonspor acted swiftly to secure Onana’s signature on loan – a move that raises questions about whether he will ever don a Manchester United jersey again.
This marks a significant decline for a player whom Pep Guardiola once referred to as an “exceptional goalkeeper,” following Onana’s remarkable performances in the Champions League for Inter Milan just two years prior.
A Surprise Decision
Laurie Whitwell reveals figures “close” to Old Trafford were “surprised” at Onana’s decision as it is “effectively ending his United career”.
“Some people close to United are surprised that Onana, 29, elected to leave, rather than try to fight for his place or wait until other European clubs could move for him in the winter market,” The Athletic reporter writes.
“Although it is a straight loan, he is effectively ending his United career with this switch. An Old Trafford return after a season of Super Lig football is highly unlikely.”
It is a crucial year for Cameroon, however, with the Indomitable Lions competing in the African Cup of Nations this winter and hoping to qualify for next summer’s World Cup.
Onana will know the important of first-team minutes at club level to secure his position internationally, particularly given his previous controversies with the national squad.
Furthermore, the goalkeeper is set to earn double his current salary once he completes the switch to Trabzonspor, due to a signing on fee, bonuses, and a more favourable tax rate in Turkey.
Whitwell reveals he had hoped to discuss the terms of his contract this summer – an approach which angered Amorim.
“[Onana] had wished to discuss his salary with United since his salary was cut from £170,000 per week to £120,000 per week (roughly £67,000 per week after tax) due to the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League after his first campaign. He has people who depend on him in Cameroon, where he has opened the Andre Onana Foundation.”
United will look to agree a permanent exit for Onana next summer where he “should attract a broader spectrum of suitors”.
But this will depend heavily on him rebuilding his once excellent reputation across Europe as an elite goalkeeper in Turkey this season – an image which has been decimated within English football since his arrival from Inter Milan in 2023.
Turkish journalist Engin Kehale reveals there will be “some pressure” on Onana as he is replacing fan favourite Ugurcan Cakir, who joined Galatasaray for £31 million last month, with some supporters “sceptical” of the United loanee.
“Many fans were sceptical,” Kehale states. “But Onana ticks plenty of boxes: strong under pressure with his distribution, a high ceiling, and the potential to be a difference-maker if he adapts well.
“There’ll be some pressure on Onana. If he can start well, the fans will adopt him very quickly. Trabzon is a very emotional city and their ups and downs are quite fast.
“They started well and until Cakir’s transfer, the mood was quite good. They will have a positive feeling about Onana joining because they want to get over the Cakir deal as soon as possible, but he has to start well.
“This was a timely opportunity for Trabzonspor and Onana, and I expect him to do well. Whether Trabzonspor can mount a genuine title challenge remains uncertain. Against the two heavy spenders from Istanbul, their chances look slim.”
From United’s perspective, the club will be hoping Onana can regain a level of performance he was unable to replicate at Old Trafford to facilitate a permanent exit next summer – a prospect the goalkeeper appears resigned to himself, based on the decision to leave for Turkey this season.
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