Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has not had much help from his goalkeepers so far this season with Andre Onana proving unconvincing in his first start of 2025/26 against Grimsby
Andre Onana of Manchester United looks dejected
Andre Onana's position as Manchester United's goalkeeper is in doubt
(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Andre Onana's outing in Manchester United's dismal defeat against Grimsby will have done little to reassure Ruben Amorim over his first choice goalkeeper. While there is already plenty of scrutiny on the Portuguese coach's position, the name of who is guarding his net could yet change first.
After an error-strewn and uncertain start to the season for Altay Bayindir against Arsenal and Fulham, Onana returned to United's line-up for the trip to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup. The former Inter star's future had already been a subject of conversation this summer with transfer links to the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Emiliano Martinez in recent months.
Onana failed to crown himself in glory as United went two-nil down at Blundell Park before forcing penalties. The 29-year-old would have been disappointed to be beaten at his near post by Charles Vernam's effort and was caught floundering from a corner as Tyrell Warren was allowed to double the scoreline.
Ahead of the game, Amorim was asked what was required of Onana. Many would suggest he failed to meet his coach's demands.
"He needs to do his job; it’s the same thing," said Amorim. "I just expect the best from him, from my players. It doesn’t matter the context, if it’s a cup game or whatever. We just need to improve some things that went wrong against Fulham. He needs to improve his position, like always, so he’s ready for the game, and I expect the best from him."
Amorim did not point the finger of blame at his goalkeeper following the match however. Instead he was critical of the whole team.
“With all respect when you play against a fourth division team, it's not the goalkeeper, it's everything,” Amorim said. “It's the environment. It's the way we face the competition. Everything. With that performance today my players spoke for me really loud.”
Andre Onana was unconvincing in goal
Andre Onana was unconvincing in goal(Image: Getty Images)
United transfer target Senne Lammens was left out of Royal Antwerp's squad for their clash with Mechelen, amid a prospective move to the Red Devils. Lammens would provide competition for Onana.
Lammens looks set to sign for United in a £17.3million deal and could be quickly handed an opportunity following the club's start to the season. Though, Amorim has suggested any incoming deal is not reliant on an exit for one of his shotstoppers despite their unconvincing start.
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