Acquired for over €50 million
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André Onana ranks as the fourth most expensive goalkeeper in football history. Two years ago, Manchester United acquired the Cameroonian from Champions League finalists Inter Milan for €50.2 million, marking a significant shift in goalkeeping duties at Old Trafford, following over a decade dominated by David de Gea. Unfortunately, Onana’s time with the club has not gone as planned. Now 29 years old, his market value has plummeted to €25 million, leading him to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on a season-long loan. In his place, United has signed young Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp just before Deadline Day.
Trabzonspor will reportedly cover the full salary of the goalkeeper, with Onana set to earn nearly double his salary due to bonuses in the Turkish Süper Lig, according to The Athletic. He is expected to travel to Turkey after fulfilling his international duties with Cameroon, who face an important World Cup qualifier in Cape Verde on Tuesday. From notable errors to early conflicts with the club captain, Transfermarkt explores the reasons behind Onana’s struggles at Old Trafford.
Reasons André Onana Struggled at Manchester United
From the outset of his Manchester United career, Onana has been at the center of controversy. During a pre-season friendly soon after his arrival, a video emerged of Onana vocally confronting club captain Harry Maguire after the team conceded a goal to Borussia Dortmund. Reactions varied from seeing it as a sign of raising standards to labeling it as disrespectful. This incident foreshadowed his tumultuous time in Manchester, characterized by chaos and drama. He has made several high-profile blunders, the latest being against League Two’s Grimsby Town, where he completely mishandled a punch, leading to a goal in a stunning upset.
Despite moments of brilliance, where he has made crucial saves for the team during defensive lapses, it appears that Onana has lost the unwavering trust of both his teammates and manager Ruben Amorim—an essential element for any goalkeeper. Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has taken the starting position in all three of United’s opening Premier League matches this season. It’s evident that the €50.2 million investment in Onana has proven to be a poor decision. As he departs on loan, with high wages and a contract running until 2028, it seems unlikely United will find a buyer willing to pay anywhere near the initial fee they spent to sign him two years ago.
