Is Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation reaching crisis point? Andre Onana’s recent performances have left fans and manager Ruben Amorim with plenty to ponder, especially with a new signing on the horizon. Can United solve their issues between the sticks, or is a major shake-up inevitable?
Manchester United’s early 2025/26 season has been plagued by a concerning lack of consistency, particularly within its goalkeeping ranks, sparking a potential goalkeeper crisis and raising serious questions about Andre Onana’s long-term future under manager Ruben Amorim.
Onana’s recent outing in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby, intended perhaps as a confidence-building exercise, unfortunately did little to allay growing concerns regarding his form. His display proved unconvincing, adding to the narrative of an error-strewn start to the campaign.
This latest performance follows a string of similarly shaky displays, notably in crucial encounters against Liverpool and Chelsea, where his decision-making and handling were frequently scrutinized. The pressure on the Cameroonian international has been mounting steadily since his arrival.
Indeed, the summer football transfer window has already seen Manchester United linked with several high-profile goalkeepers, including Gianluigi Donnarumma and Emiliano Martinez. Such speculation underscores the club’s perceived need for greater solidity between the posts.
Despite the individual scrutiny, manager Ruben Amorim has publicly refrained from singling out Onana. Instead, the Portuguese tactician has emphasized a collective responsibility, criticizing the entire team’s performance following the Grimsby match, urging them to “do their job.”
Adding another layer to the goalkeeping situation, reports suggest that United is on the verge of securing a £17.3 million deal for highly-rated prospect Lammens. This potential acquisition signals a proactive approach to strengthening the squad.
Lammens’ arrival could rapidly alter the pecking order, potentially offering a fresh option in goal as the club navigates its challenging start to the season. His integration into the squad will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
While Amorim continues to back his current shot-stoppers publicly, the underlying issues persist. The challenge for the United manager in the Premier League and other competitions will be to either extract improved performances from his existing options or strategically introduce new talent to stabilize the crucial goalkeeping position.
The unfolding goalkeeping saga at Old Trafford remains a critical storyline, one that could significantly impact Manchester United’s ambitions for the 2025/26 season. The club’s strategic moves in this area will undoubtedly shape their trajectory moving forward.