Manchester United’s transfer frustrations have been compounded by an untimely injury blow, exposing the cracks in yet another poorly executed transfer window.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been ruled out of the club's preseason tour due to a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old sustained the issue this week as players returned to Carrington, and early assessments suggest he could be sidelined for six to eight weeks — casting serious doubt over his availability for the Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17.
The injury has prompted manager Ruben Amorim to consider whether another goalkeeper might be needed before the season begins. While United remain hopeful Onana will recover in time, the situation is being closely monitored.
In the meantime, Altay Bayındır is expected to step up as the No. 2 option, with veteran Tom Heaton providing further backup after signing a one-year extension. Promising Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek, 21, is also in the mix after returning from an impressive loan spell with Austrian side BW Linz, and he is in contention for a place on the pre-season tour.
United’s preparations begin with a friendly against Leeds United in Sweden next weekend, followed by a tour of the United States, where they will face West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton. The Red Devils will then return to Old Trafford for a final pre-season fixture against Fiorentina on August 9.
Onana, who joined United from Inter Milan for $63.7 million in 2023, has had a mixed spell at Old Trafford, drawing criticism for a number of high-profile errors.
Signed by Erik ten Hag — who also coached him at Ajax — Onana was expected to bring stability between the posts. The setback, coupled with recent form concerns, has prompted Amorim to re-evaluate the club’s goalkeeper situation ahead of the new campaign.
Andre Onana
Andre Onana could miss the start of the season after picking up a hamstring injury
Although Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, negotiations are not currently active.
The two clubs remain far apart in their valuation of the Argentine World Cup winner. United have also been monitoring other goalkeeping options, including Antwerp’s highly rated 23-year-old Senne Lammens.
Meanwhile, United’s attacking reinforcements are taking shape. Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is expected to complete his move this week, with a breakthrough in talks anticipated before the squad flies out for their U.S. tour. He is set to join Matheus Cunha and 18-year-old Diego León as new additions to Amorim’s squad.
With the season fast approaching and injury setbacks mounting, United’s summer business is beginning to gather pace — but much still hinges on the club’s ability to act decisively in the market after recent missteps.