Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has sent shockwaves through Old Trafford with yet another brutally honest admission about goalkeeper André Onana. After United’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Fulham, Amorim revealed that Onana was fully fit to play last week, but it was his own decision to leave the Cameroonian on the bench.
Speaking with a cold bluntness that has quickly become his trademark, Amorim declared: “He’s ready, as he was one week ago. I have now made a decision on the goalkeeper.” Those words were enough to ignite controversy among United fans, who are now questioning not just Onana’s place in the squad, but Amorim’s man-management approach.
If Onana was fit and available, why was he ignored in such a critical stretch of games? United’s defense has already looked fragile this season, and throwing Altay Bayındır into the spotlight raised eyebrows. Bayındır, while promising, is still untested at the highest level, and his performances have only added more debate to Amorim’s decision-making.
The revelation has created a cloud of uncertainty around Onana’s future. After a turbulent debut season at Old Trafford—marked by errors, criticism, but also flashes of brilliance—many expected the former Inter Milan keeper to reclaim his role as undisputed No.1. Instead, Amorim’s bold stance has fueled speculation that United could still be shopping for a new goalkeeper before the window closes.
Some insiders believe Amorim’s decision was more psychological than tactical. The Portuguese coach is known for setting extremely high standards, and leaving Onana out might have been his way of sending a message about discipline, focus, or attitude. To others, though, it feels like unnecessary drama in a squad already struggling to find stability.
United’s defensive woes are no secret. They have conceded goals cheaply in games where they dominated possession, and many point to the lack of consistency in goal as a key factor. By refusing to play Onana even when fit, Amorim has drawn criticism for putting principle ahead of performance. Fans are split—some admire his ruthlessness, while others fear it could backfire.
Onana himself has not spoken publicly about the matter, but sources close to the player suggest he has been frustrated by the lack of clarity. After all, the Cameroonian joined United with the expectation of being a long-term solution in goal. Now, his role looks far less secure than it did a few months ago.
The situation also raises larger questions about Amorim’s style. Since arriving at Old Trafford, he has not shied away from controversial decisions, whether it’s benching senior players, changing tactical structures, or making bold substitutions. In this case, however, his hardline stance risks alienating a key player who still has much to offer.
For supporters, the big question now is simple: will Onana be back in goal for United’s next match, or has Amorim already decided to phase him out in favor of Bayındır or even a potential new signing? The uncertainty adds more pressure to a season that has already begun with turbulence.
What is certain, though, is that Amorim is making it clear he is in full control. His message is unmistakable—no player, no matter how big the name, is untouchable. And in André Onana, we may just be seeing the first high-profile casualty of Amorim’s ruthless new era at Manchester United.
