Andre Onana's departure from Manchester United marks the end of a tumultuous chapter for both the player and the club. His imminent loan move to Trabzonspor in Turkey signifies a clean break after a mere two seasons at Old Trafford, a period defined by high expectations, glaring errors, and ultimately, disappointment.
Onana arrived at Manchester United in 2023 with a reputation forged at Ajax and Inter Milan. He was envisioned as the modern goalkeeper, comfortable with the ball at his feet and capable of initiating attacks from the back. He was meant to be the perfect replacement for David de Gea. However, the reality of Onana's time in Manchester was far from the envisioned ideal.
From the outset, Onana struggled to adapt to the Premier League and the unique pressures of playing for Manchester United. High-profile errors became a recurring theme, undermining the team's confidence and costing valuable points. A Champions League mistake against Bayern Munich, where a tame Leroy Sane effort slipped beneath him, set a worrying precedent. This was followed by further blunders against Galatasaray, Copenhagen, West Ham and Aston Villa. The goalkeeper's confidence visibly eroded, and his performances became increasingly erratic.
The 2024-25 season proved to be even more challenging for Onana. He lost his place in the starting lineup to Altay Bayindir, with manager Ruben Amorim clearly unconvinced by his performances. Onana's only appearance came in a Carabao Cup tie against Grimsby Town, a match where he was at fault for both goals in a shocking defeat.
Off the field, Onana's behavior also drew criticism. He reportedly requested a new contract to compensate for a wage reduction due to the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League, a move that was poorly received. Furthermore, reports emerged of a training ground disagreement with coach Amorim, further solidifying the sense that his time at the club was nearing its end.
The signing of Senne Lammens on deadline day effectively sealed Onana's fate. With Lammens joining Bayindir and Tom Heaton in the goalkeeping ranks, Onana was deemed surplus to requirements. A loan move to Trabzonspor offered him an escape route, a chance to rebuild his confidence and potentially resurrect his career. The Turkish club will cover Onana's wages, and he may even earn more due to bonuses and a favorable tax rate.
However, even as he prepares for his new chapter in Turkey, Onana continues to be plagued by mistakes. In a recent World Cup qualifier for Cameroon against Cape Verde, he was at fault for the decisive goal, drawing further criticism. This incident only reinforces the perception that his struggles at Manchester United were not merely a temporary dip in form, but rather a reflection of deeper issues with his game. Following the loss, Onana was filmed striking a fan.
Onana's departure coincides with what many consider to be one of Manchester United's worst periods in the Premier League era. The team has struggled for consistency, plagued by injuries and a lack of clear direction. The constant chopping and changing of managers since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure has created an environment of instability, making it difficult for players to settle and perform to their full potential. United have had their worst start to a Premier League season in 38 years.
In this context, Onana's struggles can be seen as a symptom of a larger malaise at Manchester United. He was a high-profile signing who failed to live up to expectations, but he was also operating in a team that was itself underperforming. Whether he can rediscover his form in Turkey remains to be seen. But his time at Manchester United will be remembered as a cautionary tale of a player who arrived with great promise but ultimately became a symbol of the club's decline.
