Andre Onana’s last appearance in the Europa League was marred by a careless pass that allowed Viktoria Plzen to capitalize on a mistake, resulting in an embarrassing moment for the Manchester United goalkeeper.
The Cameroonian attempted to distribute the ball from the back, aiming for Matthijs de Ligt, but his pass was intercepted and subsequently set up Matej Vydra, who scored to give the Czech team the lead. Fortunately for Onana, two goals from Rasmus Hojlund later redeemed him.
Following that match, Onana did not participate in the league phase of the tournament, as he observed from the bench while Altay Bayindir took the field during victories against Rangers and FCSB. However, with Bayindir unavailable for tonight’s first leg of the last-16 clash against Real Sociedad, Onana is expected to take the starting position.
With their FA Cup journey concluded, Manchester United’s focus is now solely on the Europa League; winning this tournament is essential to salvage some dignity in what has been a challenging season.
As the competition progresses into the knockout stages, the stakes are higher, and any mistakes could have significant repercussions. Onana has already been responsible for several errors this season, and he cannot afford to make any further missteps, especially with head coach Ruben Amorim looking to strengthen the goalkeeping position this summer.
Reports indicate that Amorim is interested in acquiring a goalkeeper capable of competing with Onana for the starting role at Old Trafford. Bayindir is not viewed as being at that caliber, and Tom Heaton may retire at the end of the current season.
In recent years, United has been linked with numerous goalkeepers, including Alex Remiro, who is set to start for Sociedad this evening. According to a report from the Spanish publication Marca last May, Remiro was on United’s radar ahead of the previous summer’s transfer window. However, no changes were made to the senior goalkeeping roster before the start of this season.
Onana’s declining performances and Amorim’s call for a new goalkeeper this year suggest that the Spaniard may re-emerge as a target. Should this occur, United will have the opportunity to observe him firsthand at the Reale Arena.
Remiro transferred to Sociedad from Athletic Bilbao in 2019 and has since made 257 appearances for the club, achieving 110 clean sheets.
This season, he has recorded the joint-highest number of clean sheets in La Liga, totaling 12, alongside Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak. Across all competitions this term, he has maintained 15 clean sheets in 36 matches.
In addition to being a reliable goalkeeper, the 29-year-old exhibits exceptional skill with the ball at his feet. United acquired Onana from Inter Milan nearly two years ago due to his distribution abilities.
In 2020, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois praised Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, noting Remiro’s proficiency with the ball, stating: “He [Ter Stegen] is the best in the game with his feet, just like Real Sociedad’s Remiro, which surprised me.”
Courtois is not alone in recognizing Remiro’s ball-handling skills. Two years ago, former Sociedad goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who previously played for Brighton & Hove Albion, also commended his abilities in possession.
“He’s one of these modern-style goalkeepers, very good with the ball at his feet,” Ryan remarked. “He’s very sound between the sticks as well.”
Since his arrival at United prior to the commencement of the last season, Onana has seldom showcased the ball-playing skills that the club anticipated. During his tenure at Inter, he consistently distributed the ball from the back with remarkable accuracy, facilitating the team’s ability to advance the ball effectively.
Unfortunately, such performances have been infrequent at United. To exacerbate the situation, the growing number of mistakes that have emerged in his game this season has led to increased pressure and scrutiny upon him.
Should these errors persist through the remainder of the season, United may be compelled to seek an alternative option to provide genuine competition for the No.1 position, with Remiro potentially fitting that role.
At 29 years of age, he is approaching his prime as a goalkeeper, as the longevity of a shot-stopper often surpasses that of outfield players. The Spaniard is certainly one to keep an eye on.