André Onana is at risk of being dropped for Manchester United’s Premier League match at Newcastle United on Sunday in the wake of his latest error-strewn display.
Ruben Amorim, the United manager, is set to make a number of changes for the trip to Tyneside and may consider playing his No 2 goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in goal ahead of Onana.
Onana committed his eighth error leading to a goal since joining United in the summer of 2023 when he failed to keep out Thiago Almada’s opener for Lyon in Thursday’s 2-2 Europa League draw in France.
He was also at fault for Lyon’s 95th-minute equaliser when he spilled a shot straight at him by Georges Mikautadze, with Rayan Cherki tapping home the rebound.
LYON WITH A LATE GOAL! 💥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 10, 2025
Andre Onana's save is spilled into a dangerous area and Rayan Cherki makes no mistake ⚽
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/63a9d5BJs1
Joshua Zirkzee jumped to the defence of his team-mate, claiming it would be “ridiculous” to single out Onana. But Onana is thought to harbour concerns he could be dropped for Newcastle.
“We have to face Newcastle with a team that can be competitive to win the game,” Amorim said. “Sometimes winning games is the best way of preparing for the next one. Of course, I am going to be careful with some players but again we need to be competitive.”
Paul Scholes said Amorim faces a dilemma this summer over whether to try to “survive” with Onana next season or spend part of his transfer budget on a new goalkeeper.
Former United assistant manager Mike Phelan suggested it was reaching the point where Amorim’s hand may be forced.
“That’s the biggest decision as a manager you have to make,” said Phelan. “Is there a No 2 goalkeeper at United capable of taking the No 1 role for the rest of the season? You can’t keep covering up those mistakes.”
Legendary former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was critical of Onana for both goals against Lyon and said “you never feel safe” with him between the posts.
“There are so many issues that Ruben Amorim needs to sort out,” Schmeichel said. “I would be very uncomfortable pointing to one player but it’s not great to watch. You never feel safe. You never feel like going 2-1 up … you always fear the other team are going to come back.”
