Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been dropped from the squad for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Newcastle United, following a string of high-profile mistakes in the club’s recent 2–2 draw with Lyon.
Manager Ruben Amorim made the call to leave Onana in Manchester after the 28-year-old was at fault for both goals conceded in the first leg of United’s Europa League quarter-final on Thursday. Altay Bayindir is expected to start in goal at St. James’ Park.
“Sometimes you have to push the player to play again; sometimes you have to let him disconnect a little bit,” Amorim said in his pre-match press conference. “He will be in training tomorrow to prepare for the next one.”
Onana was already under scrutiny following a war of words with former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who now plays for Lyon. After Onana claimed United were “way better” than their French opponents, Matic responded sharply: “If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, you need to take care what you’re talking about.”
Onana replied on social media, denying any disrespect toward Lyon and reminding critics that he has won trophies with United, unlike Matic.
Following Thursday’s draw, pundits criticized the Cameroonian goalkeeper’s performance. “He has got to save both of them,” said former England winger Aaron Lennon. “He has cost United today.”
Despite suggesting post-match that Onana would be available for the weekend, Amorim ultimately opted to rest the under-fire keeper ahead of the return leg against Lyon next week.
United’s domestic campaign has faltered, with the club currently 13th in the Premier League and little left to play for. Newcastle, meanwhile, remain in contention for European qualification, sitting seventh with eight games left.
Assistant managers Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will take charge of Newcastle after head coach Eddie Howe was hospitalized ahead of the match.
