Onana Under Fire as Scholes Urges United to Rethink Goalkeeper Plans

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces a crucial decision over the future of first-choice goalkeeper André Onana, following another costly performance in Thursday’s 2-2 Europa League quarter-final draw with Lyon.

Onana was at fault for both of Lyon’s goals, marking his eighth mistake leading to a goal since joining United last summer. His latest error came just minutes into the match, gifting Lyon the lead, before being beaten again in stoppage time.

Club legend Paul Scholes didn’t hold back in his assessment, labelling Onana’s first-half blunder as “an awful mistake” and questioning whether the club can afford to persist with the Cameroonian international.

“I think it’s something they have to think about,” said Scholes. “Can you get away without spending money on a goalkeeper? He hasn’t been quite good enough.”

Scholes also raised doubts about the reliability of Onana’s backup, Altay Bayindir, and suggested Amorim might need to prioritise other areas of the squad due to budget constraints.

“Maybe he needs competition. But it will come down to money – whether Amorim feels he can invest £30–40 million elsewhere and just try to survive with Onana.”

While acknowledging Onana’s previous success at Ajax and Inter Milan, Scholes highlighted the goalkeeper’s poor distribution and declining confidence as growing concerns.

Beyond the goalkeeping dilemma, Scholes questioned Amorim’s overall satisfaction with his squad, suggesting the manager appears “disappointed” on the touchline and hinting that a rebuild could take two to three years.

“He knows this isn’t the team he wants. There’s a lack of quality all over the pitch – not enough control in midfield, not enough threat up front.”

With eight high-profile errors now on record – against teams including Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and Brighton – Onana’s status as United’s No.1 is under increasing scrutiny.

As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on Amorim to see whether he places his faith in Onana or opts for a summer shake-up between the posts.