Manchester United have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, with first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana ruled out of the club’s pre-season tour due to a hamstring injury. The Cameroonian international, who has been a pivotal figure for the Red Devils since his £47 million move from Inter Milan in 2023, sustained the injury during a training session at Carrington earlier this week. According to reports from The Telegraph, the 29-year-old could face up to six to eight weeks on the sidelines, casting doubt over his availability for United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17 at Old Trafford.
The injury comes at a critical juncture for United, who are preparing for their first full season under manager Ruben Amorim, appointed in November 2024. The Portuguese tactician had planned to use the pre-season tour, which includes a friendly against Leeds United in Stockholm and the Premier League Summer Series in the United States with matches against West Ham United, Bournemouth, and Everton, to fine-tune his squad. Onana’s absence disrupts these plans, as the goalkeeper was expected to anchor the backline following a mixed 2024/25 campaign that saw both moments of brilliance and high-profile errors.
“Andre’s injury is a massive blow for us,” a source close to the club told The Telegraph. “He’s been working hard to establish himself as the undisputed number one, and this setback couldn’t have come at a worse time. Ruben Amorim now faces a real challenge in managing the goalkeeping situation ahead of a crucial season.”
United’s goalkeeping department is not without options, with Altay Bayindir expected to step up as the primary replacement during the pre-season tour. Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who signed a one-year contract extension last month, provides further cover, while young prospect Radek Vitek could seize the opportunity to impress. However, Onana’s injury may accelerate United’s interest in the transfer market, with the club already linked to high-profile goalkeepers such as Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is set to become a free agent in 2026. Reports from The Manchester Evening News suggest that Amorim is keen to bring in a shot-stopper to challenge for the number one spot, a plan that may now take on greater urgency.
The injury also complicates United’s transfer strategy. Onana had been the subject of interest from Ligue 1 clubs, including AS Monaco and Lyon, though recent reports indicated that he was likely to stay at Old Trafford after productive discussions with Amorim. However, with the goalkeeper now sidelined, potential suitors may hesitate, and United could face a financial hit if they choose to sell, given the £30 million valuation recently floated by the Daily Mail—a significant loss on their initial investment.
Onana’s absence could also impact United’s defensive cohesion, as the former Ajax star’s ball-playing ability has been central to Amorim’s tactical setup. “When Onana struggles, his lack of confidence tends to impact his defense,” noted a report from GiveMeSport, highlighting the ripple effect of his performances. With the season opener against Arsenal looming, United are hopeful that Onana can return in time, but the six-to-eight-week timeline leaves little margin for error.