New Delhi: Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been left out of the squad for Sunday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United. The Cameroonian has been rested by head coach Ruben Amorim following a difficult outing in the Europa League against Lyon.
Onana made two costly mistakes during United’s 2-2 draw against Lyon on Thursday. First, he failed to stop Thiago Almada’s free-kick in the first half, allowing the ball to go straight in. Then, deep into stoppage time, he parried Corentin Tolisso’s shot directly into the path of Rayan Cherki, who slotted home Lyon’s equaliser.
Despite Amorim publicly backing his first-choice goalkeeper after the match, he has now decided to give Onana a break both to relieve the pressure and help him regroup mentally.
🚨 André Onana won’t even be on the bench for Man United today as Rúben Amorim wanted him to disconnect from football after difficult week.
Amorim told Onana about his decision after OL game, while the GK is expected to return as part of the squad on Thursday for the 2nd leg. pic.twitter.com/9Ccv6Kiy6y
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 13, 2025
Issues with Onana
The time is tough for the goalkeeper both on and off the pitch. Onana is dealing with a traumatic incident as his wife was recently targeted in a violent robbery in Alderly Edge. She was attacked while exiting her car, and the thief made off with a luxury Hermès handbag worth around £62,000 and a Rolex watch. The incident has forced the family to increase security around their home.
Despite the personal challenges, he has still continued to play for Man United, but his recent performance in Lyon has brought him under further spotlight due to a pre-match disagreement with Lyon midfielder and former United player Nemanja Matic. Matic harshly criticised Onana’s form at United, labelling him as one of the club’s worst keepers. Onana responded by highlighting the trophies he has won during his time at Old Trafford, which Matic failed to achieve in his five years at the club.
Who will start in place of Onana?
Altay Bayindir, who has mostly featured in cup matches and returned from injury earlier this month, is expected to start in goal at St James’ Park. It would be the Turkish keeper’s first-ever Premier League appearance.
Bayindir was on the bench for the recent FA Cup and Europa League games, but Amorim now sees an opportunity to test him in league action. Onana is expected to return for the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford next week. With the pressure mounting and emotions running high, Amorim has now chosen to give up his No.1 spot and take some time to recover. As United aims to bounce back at Newcastle, all eyes will now be on Bayindir and how he handles his first league test.
Manchester United rest Andre Onana for Newcastle clash after errors against Lyon in the Europa League. Find out who’s set to replace him at St James’ Park. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
