André Onana was not selected for the trip from Manchester United to Newcastle this Sunday (5.30 p.m.). The Cameroonian goalkeeper, holder 31 times in the Premier League this season, is neither in the starting eleven nor on the bench. According to several British media, including the Bbcit would be a choice of manager Ruben Amorim, determined to spare him after his mistakes last Thursday against Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League (2-2).
At Groupama Stadium, Onana had notably let a free kick of Thiago Almada pass, before diverting a strike from Tolisso in the feet of Rayan Cherki, who equalized in the last seconds. Immediately after the match (2-2), Amorim had however renewed his confidence in his goalkeeper. But this Sunday, it was Altay Bayindir who was preferred to start the game and potentially make its first League debut.
A provisional choice of the coach?
A strong choice, which comes after an alarming observation recalled by the Bbc : ” Since the start of last season, Onana has made eight errors that have led to goals, all competitions combined, which is the largest number of errors made by a guardian playing in a Premier League club. A decision that nevertheless seems temporary. Unless there is an exceptional service from Bayindir to Newcastle, Onana is expected to find her place Thursday for the return quarter to OL. The former Inter Milan goalkeeper remains in balance, but his number one status has, for the time being, not officially questioned. The message sent by Ruben Amorim seems above all to be a warning.
This sidelining comes in a tense context. In recent weeks, Onana has suffered criticism from Nemanja Matic, who called her ” One of the worst guards in club history ». The Cameroonian had replied by stressing that he had won trophies, unlike the old environment. Matic did not fail to mock him after his recent errors. In parallel, Onana also crossed a difficult period on the personal level: in March, his wife was violently assaulted in London during a snatch, pushing his family to strengthen his daily safety.
