Image credit: Getty Images
Manchester United have been handed a major boost ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal, with goalkeeper Andre Onana back in training and targeting a return to action on Sunday.
The 29-year-old Cameroon international, signed from Inter Milan in 2023, has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury early in pre-season training last month. The setback forced him to miss all of United’s summer friendlies, including tours in the United States and Asia, with Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton stepping in during his absence.
Now, Onana is pushing to reclaim his spot between the posts for the Old Trafford clash on August 17. According to reports, he has told club staff: “I’m feeling good, and I’m targeting the Arsenal game,” signalling his determination to start the campaign strongly.
The news comes as manager Ruben Amorim receives further positive updates on the injury front. Defender Lisandro Martinez and forward Joshua Zirkzee are both expected to be available after minor setbacks. Martinez has recovered from a knock, while Zirkzee, a summer signing, has returned from a short precautionary rest.
Andre Onana (Image credit: Getty Images)
United’s pre-season results have been mixed, with victories over Rangers and Real Betis offset by defeats to Rosenborg and Liverpool. Onana’s potential return is seen as vital to shoring up a backline that will also feature new recruits Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt.
The clash with Arsenal is shaping up to be an early-season blockbuster. The Gunners arrive in Manchester full of confidence after a commanding 3-0 win over Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup, and will be eager to test United’s readiness from the opening whistle.
Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres marked his home debut in style, scoring his first goal for the club, while Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz made timely returns from injury to prove their fitness.
Manager Mikel Arteta will be buoyed by a largely healthy squad heading into the new campaign. However, questions remain over the availability of two attacking options, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard ahead of the trip to Manchester.