Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made a considered decision to rest first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Newcastle at St James’ Park. This follows Onana’s errors in the 2-2 Europa League draw against Lyon on Thursday, where he was arguably responsible for both opposition goals.
Altay Bayindir is slated to make his Premier League debut in Onana’s stead. However, sources indicate that the substitution is a temporary measure, with Onana expected to return to the starting lineup for the crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday. Onana did not travel with the United squad to Newcastle on Saturday, signalling Amorim’s intention to provide him with a period away from immediate matchday pressure.
Errors in Lyon
The match against Lyon saw Onana fall short of expectations. He failed to prevent Thiago Almada’s first-half free kick from finding the net. More significantly, in the final moments of added time, he parried Corentin Tolisso’s shot into the path of Rayan Cherki, who scored the equalising goal. However, despite all the media focus on Onana, an objective analysis shows that there are more significant challenges with the Red Devil’s midfield and defence lines. As such, it is unfair to solely blame Onana for goals that the rest of the team could have prevented.
Manager’s Support and Tactical Shift
Despite these clear errors, Amorim publicly expressed his confidence in Onana immediately after the game, stating, “Andre is a top goalkeeper. He knows he made mistakes, but these things happen in football. I have complete trust in him.” Nevertheless, the decision to rest him for the Newcastle match suggests a tactical shift aimed at mitigating the immediate impact of those errors and providing the player with a psychological respite.
Off-Field Difficulties
The scrutiny on Onana’s performance coincides with significant personal challenges. Reports indicate that a violent robbery recently targeted his wife, Melanie Kamayou, resulting in heightened security measures for their family. This distressing incident undoubtedly makes the player’s current situation more challenging and could reasonably affect his focus and well-being.
Pre-Match Exchange
Onana faced increased pressure after a pre-match exchange with former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who now plays for Lyon. Matic reportedly described Onana as “one of the worst keepers in United’s history,” following Onana’s assertion that Amorim’s team was superior to their French counterparts. Onana responded by highlighting his trophy wins at the club, creating a tense backdrop to his performance in the Europa League fixture.
Bayindir’s Opportunity
In Onana’s absence, Altay Bayindir is set to make his Premier League debut. The Turkish goalkeeper has previously featured in domestic cup competitions and the Europa League for Manchester United. This match against Newcastle represents a significant opportunity for him to demonstrate his capabilities in the league.
Amorim’s decision to temporarily remove Onana from the starting eleven appears to be a strategic move, acknowledging both the player’s recent on-field struggles and the personal challenges he is facing. By offering him a period away from the immediate demands of Premier League football, the manager will hope to allow Onana to regain his focus and confidence ahead of the crucial return leg against Lyon.
