Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is on the verge of sealing another loan move away from Old Trafford, this time returning to Turkish side Trabzonspor. The 30-year-old's United career effectively ended when his initial loan to the same club was approved, and a second temporary switch confirms he will never pull on a United shirt again.
Loan Details and Financial Implications
Trabzonspor had been exploring the terms of a move for Onana since the expiration of his loan deal. On Thursday night, it emerged that United had agreed to yet another temporary exit for the goalkeeper. While the terms of the latest loan are unclear, there is every chance an obligation to buy clause will be included. A permanent exit this summer would have been preferred, but any deal that ensures his United career is over should be considered a good one.
To avoid a loss under the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), United need to sell Onana for around £20 million. He was signed from Inter Milan for an initial £43.8 million, plus a possible £3.4 million in add-ons, in 2023.
Amorim's Role in the Exit
Onana was prepared to report to Carrington for pre-season, but a clean break before players return in a fortnight is the best outcome for both parties. Ruben Amorim abruptly axed Onana from his starting team last season, leading to a joint decision to send him on loan to Turkey. Omar Berrada recently praised Amorim for helping to 'raise standards' in the dressing room by not ducking out of big decisions and moving on big-name players.
United probably wouldn't have finished third in the Premier League with Onana starting each game. Senne Lammens has brought refreshing stability to the backline in comparison.
Onana's Legacy at United
Onana won't be remembered fondly by supporters. He was an erratic performer prone to mistakes. It's amusing to look back at his first appearance for United in a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund, where he furiously ranted at Harry Maguire after a slack pass. Maguire kept his cool, later enjoying a renaissance at United, while Onana went on to commit plenty of errors himself.
David de Gea left big shoes to fill when he left United in 2023. United believed Onana's ability with the ball at his feet would have a transformational impact, but the goalkeeper who sparkled in the 2022 Champions League final never arrived. His reputation for outstanding distribution never materialized; instead, he was ropey with the ball at his feet and error-strewn.
