Manchester United have effectively severed ties with goalkeeper Andre Onana, sending him on a season-long loan to Trabzonspor, as Senne Lammens arrives from Royal Antwerp to fill the gaping void between the sticks.
What seemed like a routine move is far more consequential, laying bare how United’s goalkeeping crisis has spiraled.
Signed in 2023 for £43.8 million from Inter Milan, Onana was meant to be the modern heir to David de Gea. However, the goalkeeper has made high-profile errors at the club and he is now heading to Turkey to join Trabzonspor in a loan move.
Man United transfer decision criticised by Earnshaw
Former Wales international Robert Earnshaw has shared his views on Man United’s goalkeeping situation following the departure of Onana, and his comments may surprise some fans.
Former Wales international Robert Earnshaw has shared his views on Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation following the departure of Onana, and his comments may surprise some fans.
Earnshaw acknowledged Onana’s mixed spell at Old Trafford but stressed that the Cameroonian should not be written off:
“Yes, of course it’s a risk because let’s face it, he’s a very, very good goalkeeper. He’s made mistakes but he’s proven himself at Inter and, let’s face it, he’s also been very good at Man Utd overall,” said Earnshaw on Sky Sports News.
He went on to suggest that the decision to leave was likely driven by Onana himself, rather than by the club hierarchy:
“Actually, I think it’s Onana pushing this one other than the club. The club would probably rather he stays because I think everyone expects the new goalkeeper to come in and be number one, but I actually don’t think that’s going to be the case.”
United’s signing of 23-year-old Belgian keeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp was seen as a move for the future, but Earnshaw believes the player will not immediately displace Bayindir:
“I think Lammens, I don’t think he will be the number one choice goalkeeper, I don’t think he was probably the number one choice in the transfer market in their recruitment. I actually think Bayindir will be their number one and I think he’s been hard done by here.”
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Andre Onana reacts after last season's Liverpool vs Man United game
Andre Onana reacts after last season’s Liverpool vs Man United game (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Earnshaw’s perspective highlights the uncertainty still surrounding United’s goalkeeper department.
Onana’s exit to Trabzonspor leaves Amorim with three senior options: Bayindir, Lammens, and veteran Tom Heaton.
While Lammens is seen as a long-term investment, Bayindir, who endured a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, may now be handed a fresh opportunity to cement his place.
Report: Man United have already decided their January transfer window priority