Manchester United Goalkeeper André Onana Dropped For Season Opener

André Onana was missing from Manchester United’s squad for their first Premier League match of the season. Manager Rúben Amorim said there was no injury. His decision was about maintaining team balance.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester United started their Premier League campaign against Arsenal at Old Trafford with a surprise in goal. Last season’s backup, Altay Bayindir, played instead of Onana, who wasn’t even on the bench. Manager Rúben Amorim explained before the match that Onana was fully fit but dropped because “the other players did well during pre-season, so I have to find a balance.” Amorim added next week’s team selection might be different. This week, Bayindir started, but his early mistake handed Arsenal the lead and raised questions about Amorim’s decision just 13 minutes into the game.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Manchester United are coming off a below-par 2024/25 season, finishing fifteenth in the Premier League. Expectations are high from Amorim in his first full season as manager. Despite Onana being United’s first-choice goalkeeper last season, he was dropped from the side. He kept 12 clean sheets in the league for the Red Devils last term. However, recent reports indicate that Onana is currently injured and will miss about two months of action for the club, which partly explains his absence from the squad according to sources. His omission from the starting XI hints that Amorim may follow a different approach this term. His replacement, Bayindir, made just four league appearances last term, making it surprising for fans and pundits to see him start ahead of Onana this season.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR UNITED?

United will face Fulham in their next league outing. Fulham finished 11th last season and seem destined for another mid-table finish. United, who are currently placed near the bottom of the league table after today’s result, will hope to return to winning ways before it is too late. Amorim has hinted that he may make some changes to his squad in the upcoming games, meaning Onana has a chance of returning to the starting XI once he recovers. Defeating Fulham away from home could be the catalyst for United to turn things around this season.