The League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town has already plunged Man United into their first crisis of the season before September.
Onana had another night to forget at Grimsby
Onana had another night to forget at Grimsby
Manchester United players consider the humiliating League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town to be a new low and confidence is dwindling in their first and second-choice goalkeepers.
Dressing room sources say the experienced contingent in the United squad regard the 2-2 draw with Grimsby and subsequent 12-11 penalty shootout defeat as their worst result.
United lost 5-0 and 7-0 home and away to Liverpool in the past four years, while there have been seven 4-0 humblings since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, but the players acknowledge elimination by League Two Grimsby was a new nadir.
A number of players are also uneasy about the goalkeeping situation. Altay Bayindir committed a costly error in United's opening Premier League defeat to Arsenal and Andre Onana was culpable for both of Grimsby's goals.
Onana made his first appearance since the Europa League final at Blundell Park, where he was beaten at his near post by Charles Vernam and failed to claim a corner that was bundled in by Tyrell Warren. The 29-year-old made one save in the penalty shootout but got his glove onto five other spotkicks that still beat him.
Bayindir conceded to Arsenal left back Riccardo Calafiori from a corner and the Turkey international was targeted from set pieces in the 1-1 draw with Fulham a week later. Third-choice goalie, Tom Heaton, has not played since February 2023 but is fully fit.
Onana could be back on the bench for the Premier League visit of Burnley as he has effectively lost his No.1 status and there remains uncertainty over his future.
United have held discussions about the possible signing of Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens but Onana is determined to stay at the club.
A befuddled Ruben Amorim was reluctant to speak at length about Onana's 'keeping. "It's not about Andre. We are here with all due respect. I already said that the best team won. But this is a fourth division team. Andre should play just with his feet during this game? It's not that that happened.
"It's not the goalkeeper. It's more than that. He's everybody. Thank you guys."