Ferdinand ‘pleased’ Onana is set for Man Utd loan exit

Manchester United are set to loan out goalkeeper Andre Onana as part of a broader strategy to trim their squad and improve overall performance. The Dutch shot-stopper, who joined United recently, will depart on a temporary deal as the club prioritizes players deemed essential to their project under current management.

Sources close to the club confirmed the move follows clear directives from football operations head Omar Berrada, who has emphasized a rigorous approach to maintaining a squad composed only of players meeting performance and character standards. The club is committed to excluding individuals who have underperformed or are no longer considered suitable for the team’s ambitions.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, former United defender Rio Ferdinand praised this approach, noting that the club had previously been compelled to retain players due to financial constraints, which occasionally held back progress. “They’re not going to have players that either aren’t good enough, haven’t performed well enough or are not the right people to be at the football club,” Ferdinand said. “For far too long, we’ve had that at the football club. We’ve been forced to keep players because of bad financial situations.”

Onana’s departure, structured as a loan, reflects Manchester United’s intent to optimize squad depth, balancing financial prudence with the need for a competitive, cohesive team. The move also allows Onana to seek regular playing time, crucial for his development and maintaining form.

Tactically, Onana’s player profile—known for his composure under pressure and advanced shot-stopping ability—has faced stiff competition, limiting his opportunities within the current setup. Manchester United’s strategy underlines a shift towards a streamlined roster better aligned with manager Erik ten Hag’s pressing and possession-based philosophy.

This step is indicative of United’s broader ambition to rebuild efficiently, ensuring all squad members contribute positively on and off the pitch. For Onana, the loan offers a chance to rediscover consistency and return as a more polished option for the club or attract interest for a permanent transfer.