Manchester United find themselves once again at the centre of a media storm. Following a season plagued by defensive lapses and inconsistent performances, the spotlight is now on two key players: Alejandro Garnacho, the talented Argentine winger who once electrified fans with his potential, and André Onana, the goalkeeper heavily criticised for a string of high-profile errors. According to multiple credible sources, both could be on their way out of Old Trafford.
What’s striking is not just the sporting context of these rumours, but the intensity with which they’re resonating both inside and outside of England. Fans are watching closely as Sir Jim Ratcliffe, now the driving force behind Manchester United’s new project, makes critical decisions that could shape the club’s future. One thing is clear: it won’t be a quiet summer in Manchester.
Former United full-back Paul Parker has added fuel to the fire. In comments quoted via Goal, Parker called for Garnacho to leave the club immediately. He accused the youngster of lacking commitment and behaving more like a celebrity than a player hungry to prove himself. Parker didn’t hold back, even suggesting that Garnacho cares more about his celebrations than actually putting the ball in the back of the net.
“Sell the boy. He needs to move on, needs to understand what football is about. Not a game of golf, and you need players around you. He needs to look at his game and what he is rather than what he wants to be – he should want to be Garnacho, not the former United winger that plays for Portugal… and have a bit of humanity. I’d say I have better end product than him. He’s more concerned about trying to score and what he’s going to do after to celebrate than actually scoring a goal. His end product is terrible, absolutely terrible.”
As for Onana, the former player didn’t hold back either. He assured that the Cameroonian does not give guarantees in goal and that any serious team must have a reliable goalkeeper. According to Parker, the distrust he generates could undermine the morale of the whole squad if it is not nipped in the bud.
Manchester United have been urged to sell Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana
“I have to say that they do need a new goalkeeper. If they’re going to move forward next season, they need players, fans and everyone to be confident in one of the most important players on the pitch; the goalkeeper.
Top sides always have a top goalkeeper that they are assured with, and Onana is not that goalkeeper. I can’t see how he’s going to cover up what he did last season, and I just really don’t believe that he can.
If I don’t believe as someone watching, I worry what the players in the team are thinking. If you don’t believe in your goalkeeper and you’ve got that fear factor, it will cost you.”
United must choose well who they sell
Parker’s comments highlight a deeper issue at Manchester United, a club in need of rebuilding, but one that risks making rash decisions. Alejandro Garnacho is only 20 years old and still possesses the raw talent and potential to become a top-level winger. What he needs is focus, maturity, and a renewed determination on the pitch. Yet, despite his promise, United are reportedly exploring potential suitors for the Argentine and are even prepared to lower their asking price to facilitate a sale, as we’ve covered previously.
In contrast, André Onana’s situation appears more straightforward. His performances last season left lingering doubts, and in a team aiming for consistency, goalkeeping errors are simply too costly. A reliable goalkeeper is the backbone of any serious project. United know this and have already started looking at alternatives, with Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi emerging as a potential replacement.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Rúben Amorim face a crucial task: deciding which players are long-term assets and which are obstacles to progress. Selling just for the sake of generating income won’t solve the underlying problems. The fans want a competitive, winning side, but one that still reflects the club’s identity.
Letting go of Garnacho could prove to be a long-term mistake, especially if he develops into the player many believe he can become. Fixing the goalkeeping situation, however, would send a strong message of intent. If United are to make bold changes, cleaning up between the posts should take priority over sacrificing a young talent who, with the right guidance, still has the potential to soar.