The story of André Onana at Manchester United has been anything but straightforward. Signed with huge expectations, the Cameroonian goalkeeper arrived at Old Trafford to replace David de Gea, a club legend who had carried United through countless difficult seasons. Onana was seen as the modern sweeper-keeper, a man capable of bringing Manchester United into a new tactical era with his ability to play out from the back and command his area. Yet, less than a year later, the question many supporters and pundits are asking is simple but dramatic: Will we ever see André Onana in a Manchester United shirt again?
According to reliable reports, including those from Fabrizio Romano, Turkish club Trabzonspor have now reached a verbal agreement with Manchester United to take Onana on loan. The only piece of the puzzle left is the player himself. Journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Onana is giving serious consideration to accepting the move, weighing up whether this might be the best path for his career after a turbulent spell in England.
For many fans, this situation is shocking. When Onana arrived from Inter Milan for a fee of over £40 million, he was heralded as one of the most exciting goalkeepers in European football. His performances in the Champions League final, where he played a key role in Inter’s defensive solidity against Manchester City, had convinced Erik ten Hag—and much of the United board—that he was the right man to take the club forward. But things at Old Trafford rarely go according to plan, and Onana’s time in Manchester has been filled with mistakes, pressure, and mounting criticism.
A Rocky Start
Onana’s early matches in the Premier League were plagued by errors. He conceded soft goals, misjudged his positioning, and, at times, seemed overwhelmed by the weight of expectation at a club the size of Manchester United. While he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with his distribution and ability to act as a sweeper behind the defense, his inconsistencies became the focus of attention. Pundits were ruthless in their criticism, comparing him unfavorably to David de Gea and questioning Ten Hag’s decision to replace a club legend with such a volatile performer.
The Champions League only worsened his situation. Onana’s mistakes in key games, including costly errors against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich, contributed heavily to United’s early exit from Europe. Instead of cementing his place as the club’s future No.1, he became a symbol of United’s fragile defensive setup. By the end of the season, confidence in him—both from supporters and within the club—had plummeted.
Why Trabzonspor?
The loan agreement with Trabzonspor may seem surprising at first, but for Onana it could represent an opportunity to reset. Turkish football has a long history of offering struggling Premier League players a place to rebuild their careers. For Trabzonspor, signing a goalkeeper of Onana’s profile is a major coup. They gain a Champions League finalist with international experience, while Onana gains the chance to rediscover his confidence away from the relentless scrutiny of English football.
From United’s perspective, the deal also makes sense. Offloading Onana’s wages and removing a source of constant criticism may allow the club to focus on rebuilding. Whether they choose to recall him in the future or eventually cut ties permanently, the loan represents a tactical retreat from a signing that has not worked out.
The Big Question: Is This the End?
So, will we ever see Onana in a Manchester United shirt again? The answer isn’t straightforward. There are three possible scenarios:
- A Successful Loan and a Return
If Onana performs brilliantly in Turkey, restoring his confidence and proving his critics wrong, United may decide to give him another chance. Goalkeepers often peak later in their careers, and at 28 years old, Onana still has time to evolve into the world-class shot-stopper many believe he can be. A redemption arc is not impossible. - A Loan That Becomes Permanent
More realistically, this loan could be the first step towards a permanent departure. If Trabzonspor, or another club, are impressed enough to make an offer, United may decide to cut their losses. With financial fair play pressures mounting, selling Onana could free up funds for reinforcements in other areas of the squad. - A Player Who Refuses to Leave
Of course, Onana himself holds the final decision. He may reject the move to Trabzonspor and fight to stay at Old Trafford. But even if he does, regaining his starting spot will be incredibly difficult, especially if United look to sign a new goalkeeper in the coming months.
Fan Reaction
Supporters have been divided. Some believe Onana was always the wrong choice, that his style never fit the Premier League, and that his departure—temporary or permanent—is the best decision for everyone. Others argue he was never given enough time or protection by the defense, pointing to the chaos of United’s back line as a major reason for his struggles. Many still remember how David de Gea endured years of criticism before becoming a world-class goalkeeper, and they fear the club may be making the same mistake again by giving up on Onana too early.
What This Means for United
The uncertainty around Onana highlights deeper problems at Manchester United. The club has developed a reputation for expensive signings that fail to live up to expectations. Whether it is goalkeepers, midfielders, or forwards, United’s recruitment has been questioned repeatedly. Onana’s case is another reminder of how difficult it is to rebuild the club’s identity in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
If United do move on from Onana, they will need to make another big decision in goal. Will they look for a long-term replacement in the transfer market, or will they give one of their current backups, such as Altay Bayındır, a chance to step up? The answer could shape the club’s future just as much as Onana’s next move.
Conclusion
So, will we see André Onana in a Manchester United shirt again? The truth is that it remains uncertain. The loan agreement with Trabzonspor is a clear signal that his future at Old Trafford is hanging by a thread. If he accepts the move and performs well, there is a path back. But if he falters, or if United decide to move on, then his chapter in Manchester could close far sooner than anyone expected.
