Andre Onana Exit Talk Grows at Manchester United

Andre Onana has been thrust back into the spotlight after former Manchester United defender Paul Parker insisted the club must move on from the Cameroonian if it hopes to return to the Premier League summit. Parker, who patrolled the Old Trafford right flank in the early 1990s, branded United’s current No. 1 “an outfield player who has gone in goal”, reigniting a debate that rumbled through much of last season.

Andre Onana criticism refuses to fade

Andre Onana arrived from Inter Milan last summer with a reputation for slick distribution, fearlessness under pressure and Champions League pedigree. Yet early mistakes against Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Bayern Munich quickly eroded goodwill. While the 28-year-old recovered as the campaign progressed, Parker believes lingering doubts in the dressing room still hamper Erik ten Hag’s rebuild.

‘Creates uncertainty’ claims Parker

Speaking to British media this week, Parker said: “Andre Onana looks like an outfield player who has gone in goal for a laugh. He panics his back four, and they don’t trust him. If United want to challenge Manchester City, they need a goalkeeper who gives absolute confidence.” The ex-defender’s words echo criticism Onana faced at Inter before his revival under Simone Inzaghi culminated in a Champions League final appearance.

Manchester United goalkeeper conundrum

Ten Hag recruited Onana precisely because of his comfort in possession, a trait David de Gea lacked. Statistics underline the tactical shift: United attempted 16% more short passes inside their own box last term, with Andre Onana completing 88% of them. However, the same data set shows he conceded 13 goals from shots carrying an expected-goals value of just 9.7, suggesting shot-stopping remains a concern.

Potential replacements on the radar

Rumours link United with Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Diogo Costa of Porto. Each would cost in excess of £60 million, raising questions over Financial Fair Play limits given ongoing pursuits of a striker and central midfielder. Internally, academy graduate Radek Vitek impressed for the U-23s, but insiders feel a season on loan is likelier than a sudden promotion.

Contract realities

Andre Onana signed a five-year deal worth around £120,000 a week. Moving him on after 12 months would require a buyer willing to match his salary and recoup most of the £43 million fee United paid. Saudi Pro League clubs and Chelsea, previously interested, are monitoring the situation but have yet to submit offers.

Ten Hag’s public stance on Andre Onana

The manager remains supportive in front of cameras, stressing that the former Ajax keeper suits his philosophy. “We signed Andre because he can play from the back and dominate the box,” Ten Hag said in April. “Yes, mistakes happen, but he will be one of the best in the world for us.” Privately, club sources admit the coaching staff are assessing whether a more traditional shot-stopper is required against high-pressing rivals.

Dressing-room dynamics

Senior players reportedly respect Onana’s outspoken personality, though some felt his animated outbursts, like the very public scolding of Harry Maguire during a pre-season friendly, crossed a line. Cristal Palace’s 4-0 drubbing at Selhurst Park in May highlighted communication lapses, with defenders gesturing in frustration after the keeper rushed from his line only to retreat hesitantly.

Financial implications of a decision to replace Onana

United’s new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe vowed to implement “strict, smart spending”. Parting with Andre Onana so soon might be viewed as an admission of transfer error, harming the club’s leverage in future negotiations. Conversely, persisting with a player the coaching staff does not fully trust could stall progress and keep the club outside the Champions League places.

Supporters split

Fan forums reflect a divided opinion. Some cite Edwin van der Sar’s shaky first months before becoming a legend, arguing time and stability will polish Onana’s raw edges. Others fear déjà vu after years of uncertainty following De Gea’s decline. A recent poll by fanzine United We Stand showed 53% backing the idea to replace Onana if an elite alternative becomes available.

Pre-season tour will be decisive

United kick off their United States tour against Leeds in July, offering Andre Onana a fresh audition. A strong pre-season could repair confidence and quieten transfer chatter. Conversely, more errors will intensify calls to replace Onana before the Premier League opener on 17 August.

What happens next?

Erik ten Hag and technical director Dan Ashworth are expected to meet later this month to finalise the summer recruitment list. Oblak’s entourage has already met United representatives, but Atlético demand his full €120 m release clause. Cheaper options such as Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow are being scouted should United choose to act swiftly.

The bigger picture for Manchester United

Whatever decision emerges, Manchester United goalkeeper discussions underline deeper structural issues. United have cycled through managers, transfer chiefs and tactical identities since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Stability remains elusive, and the spotlight on Andre Onana is symptomatic rather than singular. Until the club aligns recruitment with a long-term football philosophy, similar dilemmas will persist—whether between the posts or elsewhere.

Opinion

Swapping Andre Onana after just one year feels drastic, yet United cannot ignore warning signs. Shot-stoppers must inspire calm, not chaos. If Ten Hag can iron out positional lapses, Onana’s distribution could still redefine United’s build-up play. But a repeat of last season’s high-profile blunders will make Parker’s verdict seem prophetic, forcing the club to bite an expensive bullet.