Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Andre Onana will return as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Europa League clash against Lyon on Thursday.
The Cameroon goalkeeper was left out of the team completely for the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United following his error-prone performance in the first leg against Lyon.
He was at fault for the two goals against the French team that denied Manchester United a first-leg win in France.
However, the second-choice goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir endured a frustrating time out against Newcastle United in his first Premier League start. He conceded four goals, and was particularly at fault for the fourth goal.
Onana has been criticized for his dismal performances in goal for Manchester United this season, making a series of errors that have cost the team in crucial moments.
Amorim has confirmed that he will take his place against Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday.
He said, “As a coach and former player, first of all, I try to do things that can help a player in this situation.
“We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them mentally.
“We had one weekend where I felt it was better for Andre Onana not to play and a good thing for Altay [Bayindir] to play. He (Onana) will play on Thursday.”
The Portuguese manager revealed that Onana deserves to return to his position as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Amorim said, “When I made that decision, I talked with Andre and that is important for me to explain to the player to understand what I am thinking.
“Sometimes the player is saying one thing and I understand it’s a different thing, sometimes it is my feeling as a coach that can make my decision more than what they are saying to me. They want to show they are really confident and I can feel the other way. So, I have a conversation but it is my decision in the end.”
Similarly, Erstwhile Manchester United captain, Harry Maguire, also backed Onana to regain the form that made Manchester United signed him for £44m signing in 2023.
He said, “Andre has proven in the past that he is an excellent goalkeeper.
“In a career you always have spells when you go up and down – it is about how you build yourself up. You have times when you feel everything is going against you.
“He is a big personality and big character and will want to show everyone what he is all about. Playing in front of Andre is great.”
Onana has conceded 56 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this season, 41 in 31 Premier League matches.
The Red Devils are expected to be without forward Joshua Zirkzee, who has been ruled out of the season following a hamstring injury against Newcastle.
Manchester United’s only chance of silverware is the Europa League, winning the European second tier competition will also guarantee them a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Amorim’s team are occupying the 14th position on the Premier League table with 38 points from 32 matches.
