Manchester United transfer news latest: Andre Onana Cameroon coach backs goalkeeper to play for "big club"

Cameroon manager Marc Brys has insisted that goalkeeper Andre Onana will be playing for a big club next season, though he added that the shot-stopper could remain at Manchester United.

Fans and pundits have begun dissecting the Red Devils' 2024-25 season, attempting to find reasons as to why the club ended the Premier League campaign in 15th place with just 42 points.

Goalkeeper Onana has frequently been criticised during his time at Old Trafford, with mistakes against the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion in January leading to questions about his place in the team.

The club have been linked with a move for Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, while Onana himself has been touted as a potential target for sides in the Saudi Pro League.

The 29-year-old's national team manager Brys has argued that the shot-stopper will land on his feet wherever he plays next term, even if he remains a United player, telling Afrik-Foot: "His team has had a complicated season, especially in the league. He was sometimes criticised, I know that it wasn't always easy for him.

"For next season, I don't really know [what will happen], but I'll follow it closely, because Onana is an excellent goalkeeper. Whether he stays at United or leaves, he will play for a big club."

The Red Devils have also been linked with AC Milan's Mike Maignan, and it is difficult to see Onana staying at the club if they look to sign another goalkeeper.

Should signing a goalkeeper be a priority for United?

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim will likely have to replace a number of players in his squad if he is to get his side back to competing for European football.

The club seem set to strengthen considerably in attack, with Matheus Cunha already signed and Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo a serious target this summer.

However, there is an argument that bringing in a shot-stopper should be seen as a matter of priority considering Onana has routinely failed to impress since signing in 2023.

The goalkeeper faced criticism for his role in Tottenham Hotspur's winning goal in the Europa League final in May, with the Cameroonian and Luke Shaw failing to communicate effectively when Spurs crossed towards scorer Brennan Johnson late in the first half.

In the Premier League last season, Onana saved 68.9% of the shots he faced, the 13th highest figure of the 22 goalkeepers to have started at least 13 matches.

Additionally, signing a new number one between the posts could instil confidence in United's backline, giving them a defensive boost.

Other sides such as Manchester City and Liverpool brought in new goalkeepers - Ederson and Alisson Becker respectively - and saw considerable improvements, so perhaps Amorim should look to replace Onana urgently.

Written by
Lewis Nolan