Numbers don’t lie, and Andre Onana is dialling the wrong digits over a possible Manchester United return. 9,300, the number of minutes given to the Cameroonian goalkeeper to replace David de Gea.
A £47.2m fee, the amount of money United paid Inter Milan to sign Onana in the summer of 2023. 150, the number of goals conceded by Onana in 102 games for the Red Devils.
Five errors leading to goals, just one of several damning statistics that prove he wasn’t the man for the job. One shambolic performance against Grimsby Town was enough for the club to send him on loan to Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Onana wants second Man United chance
Onana has bounced back from his struggles at United and has been a mainstay between the sticks for Trabzonspor. His time at Old Trafford was a disaster, but he feels there’s unfinished business.
According to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, the 29-year-old is keen to return when his loan spell finishes in May. He wants to fight and re-establish himself as the Reds’ number one and “believes” he will be given the opportunity.
Onana’s stance is surprising given the manner of his departure and the troubles he endured at the Theatre of Dreams. He arrived as a highly-rated shot-stopper following a spell at Inter, which saw him even earn praise from Pep Guardiola after the 2023 Champions League final.
The Cameroonian didn’t just fail to replicate his displays at the San Siro, but he capitulated. So much so, Ruben Amorim preferred Altay Bayindir as his number one at the start of the season.
Money talks
Bayindir, linked with a summer exit, struggled to impress in the Reds’ six opening league games. Onana’s chance came in the League Cup against Grimsby, and it was a grim night for the experienced goalkeeper.
United will most likely look to move Onana on in the summer. Even a backup role probably isn’t of interest.
Onana reportedly earns £120,000 per week, an expensive salary for a player who isn’t going to be a starter. He will have two years left on his contract in June, and that will need to be factored in.
Time is up
Senne Lammens is the undisputed number one, and there is no chance of the Belgian challenging for his starting berth. The only viable competition for the 23-year-old next season is Radek Vitek, who is on loan at Bristol City.
Onana must realise that United have moved on from him and that he is best off reviving his career elsewhere. MailSport reports that Inter are open to his potential return, and a move to San Siro is a wise idea.
The Cameroonian’s passion for the club can’t be faulted, nor can his desire to succeed. Unfortunately, he will be remembered for the nightmare 2024-25 campaign, which saw the Reds reach rock bottom.
