Andre Onana: Manchester United send message

Whether you like it or not, Manchester United have proved that they have not completely forgotten their unpopular goalkeeper, André Onana.

The Premier League giants, who have peaked in form under interim manager Michael Carrick with Senne Lammens manning the sticks, have wished the Cameroonian well on his 30th birthday.

 

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Writing on their official Facebook page, the Red Devils said: “Happy Birthday, Andre Onana.”

What United’s goodwill message means to Onana

The goodwill message comes amid talk of a possible return of the former Inter Milan star to Old Trafford. Little wonder, this has prompted banter from social media followers bordering on his blunder-strewn stay at the Premier League club.

A hugely divisive figure during his two-year stay at the Premier League club, the Cameroonian is now on loan at Trabzonspor FC of Turkey.

The Trendyol Super League outfit has also sent Onana a message via the official Facebook page, saying: “Today is the birthday of our 24th player Andre Onana.”

The club’s post has attracted more positive comments from Turkish fans. Some of them described the African as ‘the best keeper ever’, ‘the wall’, ‘true role model.’

Other social media followers urged the keeper to help Trabzonspor FC win the league title while some encouraged him saying he will bounce back.

The former Ajax Amsterdam man is expected in action for the leaders when they host Victor Osmihen’s Galatasaray FC in the Trendyol Super League encounter on Saturday, April 4.

How stay of Onana at Man United proved nightmare

The keeper joined United from Inter Milan in 2023 for an initial €51m (£43.8m), plus potential add-ons of €4m (£3.4m). His contract at Old Trafford runs until 30 June 2028, with the option of a one-year extension.

Onana made 102 appearances for United across all competitions, conceding 150 goals and keeping 24 clean sheets. He won the FA Cup with United.

The discarded Indomitable Lions shot stopper featured in one competitive game this Premier League season before joining the Turkish side.

In that single appearance, Onana came under scrutiny after then Ruben Amorim’s side lost 12-11 on post-match penalties to lower league side Grimsby Town days ago. The game had ended two-all in regulation time.

Lammens, signed from Antwerp in Belgium in the pre-season, has since cemented his place as the first-choice keeper deputised by Altay Bayindir.