Andre Onana could be handed a Manchester United lifeline – after manager Ruben Amorim has made strengthening other areas of the team his top priority.
Amorim has instructed his recruitment staff at Old Trafford to concentrate their efforts on bringing in a number of outfield players, with a striker, two midfielders, a centre-back and at least one wing-back high on his shopping list. And while the Reds are interested in bringing in Belgian youngster Seine Lammens from Royal Antwerp, it appears that the United boss will continue with Onana as his No.1 next season.
That will only change if United get an offer in excess of £20million for the Cameroon international.
There was interest in Onana from the Saudi Pro League and the club will hope that resurfaces in the summer with an offer in excess of £20million needed to help with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Onana was axed from the United squad for the trip to Newcastle last weekend after a series of high-profile blunders culminated in a horror show in the 2-2 Europa League draw at Lyon.
He returned for the return leg last Thursday night and produced a number of fine saves despite still being beaten four times as Amorim’s team claimed a place in the semi-finals with a 7-6 aggregate win.
When asked about his decision to start Onana against Lyon this week, Amorim said he wanted to help the Cameroonian through his tough spell.
“As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation,” said Amorim. “We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them also mentally.
“When I made that decision I talked with Andre and that is important for me to explain to the player to understand what I am thinking,” added Amorim. “Sometimes the player is saying one thing and I understand it’s a different thing, sometimes it is my feeling as a coach that can make my decision more than what they are saying to me.
“They want to show they are really confident and I can feel the other way. So I have the conversation but it is my decision in the end.”
The 29-year-old former Inter Milan stopper has conceded 99 goals in just 69 Premier League appearances since his £47million arrival in Manchester.
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