Andre Onana under pressure as Lyon mistakes put Manchester United spot at risk

Andre Onana’s starting role at Manchester United is now in question following two costly errors during Thursday’s 2-2 Europa League quarter-final draw with Lyon. With increasing scrutiny over his performances and competition from Altay Bayindir, the Cameroonian international faces uncertainty heading into United’s crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

Onana fears being dropped after latest mistakes
Sources close to the club suggest Onana is concerned about being dropped by head coach Ruben Amorim ahead of Sunday’s fixture at St James’ Park. Amorim is said to be weighing up a decision that could hand Bayindir his first-ever Premier League start, just days before the return leg against Lyon at Old Trafford. The pressure comes after Onana was directly at fault for both of Lyon’s goals, including a last-minute equaliser from Rayan Cherki, following an earlier mistake that led to Thiago Almada’s opener. The blunders occurred just days after Onana claimed United were “way better” than the French side.

Criticism from Matic and scrutiny from fans
On the eve of the match, former United midfielder Nemanja Matic delivered a sharp critique, labelling Onana as "one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history" — remarks that have only added to the noise surrounding the No.1. Onana now holds the unwanted record for the most errors leading to goals among Premier League goalkeepers in all competitions since his arrival from Inter Milan for £47.2 million in July 2023.

Amorim offers support but future plans emerging
Despite growing pressure, Ruben Amorim defended his goalkeeper publicly after the match.
“It can happen,” Amorim said. “You play a lot of games, mistakes will come. I’ve probably made more mistakes than the players in recent months.”
The United manager also confirmed he will review the match footage with his goalkeeping staff before making any decision on Onana’s involvement moving forward.
“The best thing we can do is assess what happened with Vital and Craig [goalkeeping coaches], and focus on how to help the player. We have one more game to change everything — that should be the priority.” Amorim also noted the subdued mood in the dressing room, adding: “It was really quiet. A draw away in Europe is still a result, but this team is hurting. Something needs to change.”

Bayindir waiting in the wings
Altay Bayindir, who also joined United in the summer of 2023, has made just seven appearances so far — none in the Premier League. With Onana’s inconsistency and a possible goalkeeper signing expected in the summer, the Turkish international could now be handed a chance to prove himself on the big stage.