Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana will not travel with the squad for their Premier League match against Newcastle United on Sunday, April 13, 2025, following a challenging performance in the Europa League. Manager Ruben Amorim has made the bold decision to leave the Cameroonian shot-stopper out, opting to give him time to “rest and disconnect” after a tough week.
Onana, 29, came under heavy scrutiny after making two costly errors in United’s 2-2 draw against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday. He misjudged a free-kick from Thiago Almada, allowing it to sail directly into the net, and later spilled a shot from Corentin Tolisso in stoppage time, which led to Rayan Cherki’s equalizer. The mistakes drew sharp criticism, including from former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, now at Lyon, who labeled Onana as one of the club’s worst-ever goalkeepers.
Despite Amorim initially defending Onana post-match, stating, “When one player has a mistake, all the team has a mistake,” the Portuguese manager has now chosen to take his No. 1 goalkeeper out of the spotlight. Sources close to the club indicate that this move is not a permanent demotion, with Onana still in contention to return for the second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday.
In Onana’s absence, backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is set to make his Premier League debut for Manchester United at St James’ Park. The 25-year-old Turkish international, who joined from Fenerbahçe in 2023, has seen limited action, mostly in cup competitions, and now has a chance to prove himself on a big stage. Amorim’s decision to hand Bayindir the gloves signals his willingness to shake things up as United navigate a disappointing league campaign, sitting 13th in the table.
The move comes amid a difficult period for Onana, both on and off the pitch. Earlier this year, his wife was the victim of a street robbery in Cheshire, adding personal strain to his professional struggles. Since joining United from Inter Milan in 2023 for £47 million, Onana has played every minute of the club’s 69 Premier League matches until now, but his eight errors leading to goals in all competitions since last season—more than any other Premier League goalkeeper—have raised questions about his long-term future at the club.
Amorim’s squad selection also reflects a broader strategy to manage player fatigue and prioritize the upcoming Europa League tie, United’s last realistic chance to secure Champions League qualification next season. Reports suggest young talents like 18-year-old Harry Amass could be in line for a start, while 19-year-old Jack Moorhouse has traveled with the team, though his inclusion in the matchday squad remains uncertain.