André Onana’s time at Manchester United appears to be nearing an unexpected pause, as reports confirm that Trabzonspor has reached a verbal agreement with the Premier League club for a loan deal.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the only step remaining for the goalkeeper is to approve the transfer. This comes after a challenging period at Old Trafford, where Onana’s standing has fallen from being signed as a long-term replacement for David de Gea to being viewed as the third-choice goalkeeper.
From Inter Hero to United Struggles
Andre Onana joined Manchester United in the summer of 2023 for a fee between €50 million and $56 million, following an impressive season with Inter Milan. He was one of the standout players in the Champions League, playing a key role in helping Inter reach the final against Manchester City.
His ability to play with his feet, distribute under pressure, and command his area made him Erik ten Hag’s first-choice target to replace David de Gea. Expectations were enormous as United looked to modernize their goalkeeping setup.
However, Onana’s debut season was plagued with high-profile errors. Mistakes in the Champions League group stage against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray put United under pressure, and his Premier League form was inconsistent. While he did show flashes of his quality with outstanding saves, the errors often overshadowed his performances.
Current Situation at Manchester United
Onana began the 2025/26 season poorly and was benched in favor of Altay Bayındır, who has performed solidly in goal. The recent signing of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Club Brugge has pushed Onana further down the depth chart.
Reports suggest that manager Ruben Amorim has already told Onana he will not be the first-choice goalkeeper this season. With Bayındır starting all three Premier League matches so far, Onana featured only in a Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.
Broken Relationship with Manchester United Fans
The relationship between Onana and Manchester United fans has deteriorated beyond repair. Initially, supporters were patient, acknowledging his qualities and his role in building from the back. But after repeated mistakes and poor results, frustration turned into anger.
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Social media has been flooded with criticism, and sections of Old Trafford even cheered when he was dropped. At this stage, there seems to be little Onana can do to win the fans back.
Trabzonspor is looking for a top goalkeeper due to the recent departure of their long-serving captain, Uğurcan Çakır, who transferred to Galatasaray for €36 million.
Çakır had been a key leader and a fundamental presence in goal for many years, and his exit has left a significant gap in their defense. Although André Onana has faced challenges in England, he is still considered a high-quality goalkeeper with Champions League experience. Many view him as the ideal replacement to help restore stability in goal for the team.
Potential Fresh Start in Turkey for Onana
A transfer to Trabzonspor could revitalize Onana’s career. Turkish fans are renowned for their passion and loyalty, and a player of Onana’s caliber would likely receive a warm welcome. Unlike at Old Trafford, where mistakes are heavily scrutinized, Trabzonspor supporters could provide the encouragement he needs to regain his confidence.
The Turkish Süper Lig provides Onana with a platform to compete for trophies and secure European qualification while experiencing less scrutiny compared to the Premier League. For a goalkeeper lacking confidence, this environment could be ideal.
Onana’s Stats at Manchester United
- Appearances in all competitions: 102
- Clean Sheets: 24
- Goals Conceded: 150
- Errors Leading to Goals: 10
These figures show why his performance has been seen as disappointing, as the high number of goals conceded and few clean sheets prompted criticism from both supporters and analysts.
Comparison with United’s Other Goalkeepers
Altay Bayındır, who took over the No. 1 spot, has impressed with his commanding presence and reliability. His consistency has made it nearly impossible for Onana to reclaim his place. Meanwhile, newcomer Senne Lammens is highly rated for his potential, leaving Onana as the odd man out.
Turkish Transfer Market
The Turkish transfer window remains open until September 12, giving Trabzonspor time to finalize the deal. United, having signed Lammens, are open to moving Onana on loan to reduce their wage bill and avoid dressing-room tension. Reports also suggested interest from other Turkish clubs, but Trabzonspor are the front-runners.
Could Trabzonspor Revive Onana’s Career?
Goalkeepers often enjoy career revivals after difficult spells. For Onana, still only 29, there is time to turn things around. A strong season in Turkey could rebuild his reputation and potentially attract interest from other European clubs. The key will be whether he accepts the move and embraces the opportunity.
What Next?
André Onana’s time at Manchester United appears to be coming to an end, at least for now. After joining the club as a record signing, he has found himself demoted to third choice in just over two years, marking a significant decline during his time at Old Trafford.
A potential move to Trabzonspor could offer Onana the fresh start he urgently needs. The decision now lies with Onana. Situations like this also show how the business side of football, contracts, transfers, and financial decisions, often shapes careers as much as performance on the pitch. For more insights on business growth and strategy, visit Bizpremi
