According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have included André Onana in their traveling squad for the upcoming Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage. The 28-year-old goalkeeper is regarded as a likely candidate to step back into the starting eleven, as manager Ruben Amorim weighs up his options following a difficult opening weekend for his side.
Altay Bayindir, who was selected for the match against Arsenal at Old Trafford, came under heavy scrutiny after being blamed for his part in conceding the visitors’ decisive goal. Despite that criticism, the Turkish shot-stopper remains part of the 21-man group making the journey to London. Amorim, however, has been deliberately reserved when asked about who will wear the gloves on Saturday, keeping the decision shrouded in mystery.
The uncertainty has added an extra layer of intrigue to United’s preparations, with the goalkeeper situation once again becoming a talking point early in the season.
Onana’s struggles and United’s search for stability
Onana has faced frequent questioning since he joined Manchester United, with his performances often dividing opinion among supporters and pundits. His recent injury setback during pre-season only deepened concerns, as it forced Amorim and his coaching staff to consider whether they needed additional cover in the position. That absence was significant enough to rule him out of the season opener, where Bayindir was handed the starting role.
Despite the doubts, United have not yet secured a fresh signing to reinforce the goalkeeping department. This leaves Onana with the opportunity to demonstrate that he can still be a dependable choice and recover his position as the club’s first-choice option. His previous experience is seen as valuable, but the pressure to deliver consistency at Old Trafford has remained high since his arrival.
In parallel, discussions with Belgian youngster Senne Lammens have intensified. The young goalkeeper is viewed as a potential addition in a transfer valued at approximately £17 million ($23m). Should that deal be finalized, it would reshape the hierarchy at the club. Bayindir, already under pressure after his performance against Arsenal, could find his opportunities reduced even further, while Onana is not expected to depart Old Trafford in the current transfer window.
A critical chance at Craven Cottage
For Onana, a starting role at Fulham would represent more than just another appearance; it would be a chance to restore confidence and prove that he deserves to be Amorim’s trusted option going forward. With possible reinforcements arriving in the near future, the margin for error has become slimmer, and every performance carries added weight.
United’s transfer business so far has been concentrated mainly on improving attacking options, with several signings brought in to bolster forward play. However, for the team to make genuine progress in the Premier League, defensive stability will be just as important. Both the coaching staff and the squad are aware that addressing vulnerabilities at the back is essential if the club is to climb the table and compete with the league’s leading sides.
Onana now has the opportunity to set the tone for the campaign. A strong showing against Fulham could not only help United secure valuable points but also re-establish him as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper before further competition arrives. For Amorim, the decision will be pivotal as he looks to strike the right balance between building a reliable defense and maintaining momentum in the early weeks of the season.
