Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been left out of Sunday’s Premier League game at Newcastle, marking a significant decision as the club navigates a challenging period. The decision comes in the wake of Onana’s recent performance which attracted considerable criticism; he was blamed for both goals scored by Lyon during a disappointing 2-2 draw in the Europa League on Thursday. This match followed a harsh critique from former Red Devils player Nemanja Matic, who described Onana as “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s storied history.
Sources within the club have indicated that Onana’s omission from Ruben Amorim’s squad for the match at St James’ Park was made to provide the Cameroonian international with an opportunity to “rest and disconnect.” Amorim spoke about the decision in an interview with Sky Sports, emphasizing the importance of considering the player’s mental state. “You have to see the context,” he remarked. “Sometimes you have to push the player, and sometimes you have to disconnect. Tomorrow he will be in training. I think he was OK with the decision because I explained. You don’t need to like it, but you understand.”
This statement underscores the complexity of managing a player who has faced significant pressure. The mental aspect of an athlete’s performance cannot be understated, and Amorim’s approach indicates a commitment to ensuring Onana is in the right frame of mind moving forward. He assured fans and critics alike that this absence is not a permanent decision, stating, “It’s just one game; tomorrow is a new life.” It is anticipated that Onana will be considered for selection when United faces Lyon again in the return leg of their quarter-final tie at Old Trafford on Thursday.
In another related development, Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe will also be absent from Sunday’s match due to health concerns, having been admitted to the hospital after feeling unwell for several days. In his absence, Altay Bayindir from Turkey is expected to fill in for Onana, marking a significant moment for him as it will only be his sixth appearance this season and his first in the Premier League. Bayindir has not been involved in any Premier League matches since January, having primarily featured in cup competitions.
Since joining Manchester United, Onana has struggled to justify his hefty £47 million transfer fee from Inter Milan in 2023. He has participated in all 69 Premier League games since his arrival, yet his performances have been marred by mistakes. In fact, since the beginning of the previous season, he has recorded eight errors leading to goals, the highest number among goalkeepers playing in the Premier League. This statistic reflects a worrying trend for a player expected to deliver stability and excellence between the posts.
Amorim took the opportunity to defend Onana following his underwhelming display against Lyon, highlighting that even within the same season, other goalkeepers have experienced more errors than Onana. Specific notable incidents, such as the first Lyon goal where Onana misjudged a routine shot and failed to push it away effectively, have prompted discussions about his future, especially given the high expectations placed upon him.
In addition to on-field challenges, Onana’s personal life has also seen disruption. Recently, his wife, Melanie Kamayou, was involved in a distressing incident where she was robbed after leaving a restaurant in Cheshire. This blend of personal and professional difficulties underscores the multifaceted pressure that Onana faces, contributing to the ongoing scrutiny of his performances on the pitch.
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