Manchester United Drop Andre Onana for Newcastle Clash Amid Goalkeeping Scrutiny
Manchester United have made a major change between the posts for their Premier League showdown with Newcastle United, opting to leave Andre Onana out of the squad following his recent struggles.
After a shaky outing in the Europa League clash against Lyon earlier this week, the Cameroon international has been left behind as the squad travels to Tyneside. According to Manchester Evening News, Onana did not make the trip, and reports from the iPaper on Friday had already hinted at a possible change, naming Altay Bayindir as his likely replacement.
Onana, signed for £47.2 million from Inter Milan in July 2023, has been a constant figure in United’s Premier League lineups, starting 69 consecutive matches. However, head coach Ruben Amorim has chosen to give Turkish international Bayindir a rare opportunity to start at St. James’ Park. Since his £4.3 million arrival from Fenerbahce last September, Bayindir has featured just seven times — none of which were in the league.
Despite his absence this weekend, Onana could still return for the crucial second leg of United’s Europa League quarter-final tie against Lyon on Thursday. His performance in the first leg drew criticism, particularly for letting Thiago Almada’s free-kick slip through and failing to deal with a late shot that led to Lyon’s equaliser in stoppage time.
Speaking after the 2-2 draw, Amorim publicly backed his under-fire goalkeeper. “When a player makes a mistake, we all make a mistake as a team,” he said. When pressed on whether Onana might be dropped, the coach responded, “We continue with the same approach — we train, we review, and we select the best eleven for each game.”
With Manchester United currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League, the Europa League now represents their most realistic route into European competition next season. Amorim is expected to rotate his squad with Thursday’s decisive fixture in mind.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes may be given a rest, though Amorim admitted that decision won’t be made lightly. “It’s something we’ll evaluate with our staff and data. Bruno is in great form, and sometimes players like him need to play every game,” he explained.
With several injuries thinning out the squad, United could turn to returning players like Luke Shaw and Mason Mount for starts, while young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is also likely to feature.
Amorim added, “Facing Newcastle, we need a team capable of winning. Often, the best way to prepare for the next game is by winning the current one. Yes, we’ll protect some players — but we must remain competitive.”