Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has reportedly decided to stay at Old Trafford amidst speculation that boss Ruben Amorim wants a new shot-stopper.
The Red Devils were eliminated from the FA Cup by Fulham on Sunday, with Onana failing to save any of the Cottagers' penalties in the shootout after extra time.
Onana has been criticised for his form in goal this season and has faced significant scrutiny since replacing David de Gea, who left the club at the end of 2022-23.
Second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir impressed during the Red Devils' victory against Arsenal in the FA Cup on January 12, but he has been absent for five games due to injury and has not made any matchday squad since February 2.
Despite speculation that Amorim would like to replace Onana in the summer, the Manchester Evening News claim that the 28-year-old views United as the only club he wants to play for.
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Could Onana improve with better players in front of him?
When Onana came to the club under previous boss Erik ten Hag, there was an expectation that his arrival would help United play out from the back and dominate opponents.
However, the Red Devils have still struggled when aggressively pressed, and this has made Onana's skillset with the ball at his feet redundant.
The Cameroonian's ability as a shot-stopper has been heavily criticised, with costly mistakes against the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest this season leading to questions about his place in the XI.
While Onana might not be placed in as many dangerous situations should his teammates keep possession better, his decision-making has looked fundamentally flawed, as seen against Ipswich Town on February 26 when he failed to communicate clearly with Patrick Dorgu and allowed Jaden Philogene-Bidace to score.
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Do United have other priorities?
There is an argument that signing a new goalkeeper should be low on Amorim's list of priorities considering the deficiencies in other areas of the squad.
United have only scored 33 goals in the Premier League this season, and that record makes them the division's sixth-worst offensive team, so perhaps the addition of a forward should be prioritised.
The Red Devils have also at times been overwhelmed in midfield, and it would be sensible to look for reinforcements so that Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have adequate cover.
Given Onana still has three years left on his deal, as well as the fact that United may have to implement a sell-to-buy policy in the summer, Amorim could be better served by opting to make additions elsewhere in the team.
Lewis Nolan
