Andre Onana's big-money move to Manchester United is on the verge of collapsing, with club officials already plotting a shock January loan exit for the struggling goalkeeper.
The £47.2 million summer signing from Inter Milan, once hailed as the solution to United's goalkeeping woes, has endured a catastrophic start to his career at Old Trafford. A series of high-profile errors have shattered confidence in the Cameroonian international, both on the pitch and within the dressing room.
A Crisis of Confidence
Manager Erik ten Hag, who previously worked with Onana at Ajax, pushed hard to reunite with the shot-stopper as a direct replacement for David de Gea. However, that faith has been severely tested. Onana's mistakes have proven incredibly costly, directly contributing to dropped points in both the Premier League and their faltering Champions League campaign.
The situation has deteriorated so rapidly that senior figures at the club are now actively discussing the possibility of cutting their losses temporarily. A loan move in the upcoming January transfer window is being seriously considered to allow the 27-year-old time to regain his form and composure away from the intense scrutiny at United.
Dressing Room Tensions Emerge
Reports suggest that Onana's performances have not only frustrated fans but have also caused concern amongst his teammates. The defensive unit appears visibly unsettled, a fragility that opposition teams are beginning to exploit. This internal pressure is a significant factor in the club's deliberations over his immediate future.
While a permanent sale is not yet on the table due to the massive financial investment, a short-term departure is now seen as a viable option to protect the player's value and, more importantly, Manchester United's season.
What Comes Next for Onana and Ten Hag?
This potential move represents a stunning reversal of fortune for both player and manager. Ten Hag's judgement is now under the microscope, with the Onana signing being a key part of his rebuild. Sending him away just months after his arrival would be a huge admission of a failed strategy.
All eyes will be on Onana's performances leading up to the winter window. He has a matter of weeks to salvage his United career and prove he can be the reliable last line of defence the club desperately needs. If not, a humbling loan exit awaits, making him one of the most expensive flops in the club's recent history.
