Manchester United may face difficulties in offloading Andre Onana during the upcoming summer transfer window as head coach Ruben Amorim considers three possible replacements, particularly with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations in effect.
Much attention was given to Onana when he transferred to Man Utd from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023 for an initial fee of £43.8m. Erik ten Hag, who was then managing the Red Devils and had previously collaborated with the Cameroonian goalkeeper at Ajax, believed the 28-year-old suited his playing style.
Although Onana has strengths in playing out from the back, concerns have been raised about his shot-stopping abilities, and he has shown a lack of decisiveness in key moments.
The goalkeeper, who previously played for Ajax and Inter, has committed three errors that led to goals in the Premier League, resulting in losses to Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Brighton and Hove Albion.
His mistakes in the Champions League last season contributed to Manchester United being eliminated from Europe’s top club competition early on.
This season, Onana has made errors against Viktoria Plzen and Ipswich Town as well and has faced harsh criticism from former Inter goalkeeper Alberto Fontana, who suggests that Onana is not well-liked by his teammates due to his dramatic antics.
Fontana told La Gazzetta dello Sport in February: “I couldn’t stand Andre Onana.
“A lot of smoke, a lot of somersaults. I played that role for many years and I know when you want to make something seem difficult that in reality is not.
“The classic ‘saves for the photographers.’ I have always not been a fan of Onana and I can’t explain how he is at that level.
“£50 million for him? Come on, I wouldn’t take him for free.”
Fontana added: “He is a goalkeeper who is unpopular with his teammates because he always seeks applause for himself.
“For me, it is truly inexplicable. So well done Inter for selling him. I don’t think Manchester United are enthusiastic about him.”
Reports emerged last week indicating that Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is becoming “increasingly frustrated” with Onana and is looking to bring in a new goalkeeper.
The coaching staff at Man Utd have not been satisfied with the goalkeeper’s errors and are worried about the frequency of his mistakes.
It has been reported that Manchester United have pinpointed Burnley’s James Trafford and FC Porto’s Diogo Costa as possible replacements for Onana, with the Italian media also mentioning AC Milan’s Mike Maignan as a target for the Red Devils.
However, the Manchester Evening News suggests that Manchester United may find it challenging to sell Onana this summer.
The report has indicated that while Amorim desires to acquire a new goalkeeper, Onana is “determined to remain at Manchester United next season despite his poor form.”
The Cameroonian international is contracted to Manchester United until 2028 and does not see himself playing for another club in the near future.
How much Manchester United want for Andre Onana
Onana was signed by Man Utd for £43.8 million in transfer fees, and it’s doubtful that any team will match that amount for him this summer.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, should Man Utd decide to offload Onana during the summer transfer window, they would need at least £28.32 million.
This figure represents the remaining balance of Onana’s transfer fee, which is to be distributed over the next three years of his contract, and United would require this sum to prevent a loss in accordance with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations.
If Onana chooses to stay, Man Utd would face significant difficulties in financing a new goalkeeper acquisition.
Latest updates from Man Utd include praise for Chido Obi-Martin and speculation linking Unai Emery to the club.
Chido Obi-Martin, a 17-year-old former Arsenal talent, received recognition after his performance in Man Utd’s FA Cup defeat against Fulham on Sunday, coming on as a substitute in the second half and forcing a notable save from Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno.
Amorim commented on Obi-Martin’s performance, stating, “I think Chido did really well today. He was a bit naïve in certain instances, but you could sense that he wants the ball in the box – a trait commonly found in strikers.”
BBC Sport analyst Alan Shearer remarked, “He has certainly been a handful out there.
“He has provided more than Hojlund when he was on the field. He has been a nuisance and difficult to contend with.”
“I appreciate what I’ve seen from Obi; he has definitely offered a different approach to their play,” he added.
In contrast to Man Utd’s struggles, Antony has been thriving during his loan period at Real Betis.
The Brazilian winger has made notable contributions, scoring three goals and recording two assists in seven matches across all competitions for the LaLiga side.
Discussing Antony on TNT Sports, Amorim stated, “When facing any team in England, physicality comes into play. Without physicality, you’ll face significant challenges.”
“Antony has significantly improved since moving to Spain. This is due to numerous factors, but I assure you it’s largely about physicality.”
At the same time, reports suggest that Manchester United is already considering replacing Amorim.
The Old Trafford management is reportedly impressed by Unai Emery, who has turned Aston Villa around.
Last season, Villa finished in the top four of the Premier League and is likely to repeat that success this season.
Additionally, the Villans have progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League this year.