Manchester United's turbulent season has taken another dramatic turn, with club legend Rio Ferdinand delivering a blistering assessment of goalkeeper André Onana's recent performances. The criticism comes amidst growing speculation that Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated manager, Ruben Amorim, is being lined up as a potential successor to under-fire boss Erik ten Hag.
Ferdinand, speaking on his Vibe with FIVE podcast, did not hold back in his analysis of Onana's costly error in the recent 1-1 draw with Burnley. The former England defender pinpointed the moment the Cameroonian international spilled a routine shot, allowing Zeki Amdouni to snatch a late equaliser from the penalty spot.
Ferdinand's Furious Onana Analysis
'My life… if you are Onana you have to save that,' Ferdinand exclaimed. 'It is a comfortable height. I’m sorry, it is a comfortable height. I’m in the stadium, it’s not like it’s swerving, it’s not moving… it’s a comfortable height for a goalkeeper. He will be disappointed.'
This public dressing-down from a revered figure at the club underscores the immense pressure building on the entire squad, with Onana's high-profile move from Inter Milan last summer yet to justify its price tag.
Amorim: The Name on Everyone's Lips
As pressure mounts on Ten Hag, the managerial rumour mill is in overdrive. According to reports from Portugal, Manchester United's new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has set his sights on Ruben Amorim.
The 39-year-old Sporting boss has become one of Europe's most sought-after coaches after guiding his team to a potential league title, playing an attractive, aggressive style of football. He is seen by many as a leading candidate should the United hierarchy decide to make a change this summer.
This potential move signals a potential shift in strategy at Old Trafford, with Ratcliffe's INEOS group taking a more hands-on approach to football operations.
The combination of a struggling big-money signing and intense speculation over the manager's future paints a picture of a club at a critical crossroads. For Erik ten Hag and André Onana, the final games of the season have become an audition for their Manchester United futures.
