Report: Key Man United decision looms as doubts emerge over squad depth | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Pre-Season Disrupted by Onana Injury Setback

Manchester United’s preparations for the 2025-26 campaign have taken a hit following news that André Onana could miss the opening stages of the season due to a hamstring injury. The Cameroon international sustained the issue during training at Carrington, with initial assessments suggesting a six to eight-week lay-off.

This has left manager Ruben Amorim assessing whether to enter the market for a new goalkeeper or rely on his current options. Onana is due to undergo further scans to determine the full extent of the injury. United are understood to be hopeful of his availability for the Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17, but optimism is fading.

It is not just Onana’s absence that presents a dilemma for Amorim. The 29-year-old has struggled for consistent form since his £47.2 million move from Inter Milan last year, having previously worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.

“Onana has, at times, looked less than safe between the posts at Old Trafford,” noted The Telegraph, highlighting concerns that have simmered since the latter half of last season. Amorim even opted to drop him in April following a shaky Europa League display against Lyon.

Amorim exploring short-term cover and long-term options

Amorim is not short of alternatives, but there remains uncertainty over the reliability of those in reserve. Altay Bayındır, brought in last summer, remains second-choice and enjoyed limited action last season. Heaton, 38, recently signed a one-year extension and is valued for his experience rather than as a starting option. Radek Vitek has returned from a strong loan spell at BW Linz and is tipped to join the senior squad for the pre-season tour.

While no formal move is in progress, Manchester United have monitored a number of goalkeepers since Amorim’s arrival. One of those is Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa, but “a deal is not being worked on at the moment, with the clubs well apart in their valuation for the Argentine World Cup winner.”

Elsewhere, Senne Lammens of Antwerp, Lille’s Lucas Chevalier and Zion Suzuki at Parma have all been watched. Martínez, 32, has also received interest from Saudi clubs but is still a name of interest in Manchester.

Photo IMAGO

Premier League market flooded with goalkeeper movement

This summer has already seen notable changes in the goalkeeping market across the Premier League. Kepa Arrizabalaga has joined Arsenal, prompting Bournemouth to act quickly and bring in Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea. Sunderland were also tracking Petrovic before losing out.

United’s interest in Martínez may be complicated by the fact that other clubs are also exploring options in the position. Newcastle are evaluating James Trafford from Burnley, though Nick Pope is expected to remain and compete. Southampton’s relegation could open a path for Aaron Ramsdale to return to the top flight, with his England prospects hanging in the balance.

Barcelona have already snapped up Joan García from Espanyol, a goalkeeper previously linked with Arsenal, demonstrating that competition for talented stoppers extends beyond English shores.

Pre-season timing adds to pressure

With a packed pre-season schedule that includes games against Leeds United in Sweden and a U.S. tour featuring matches against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton, Amorim is keen to finalise his squad early.

“Amorim wants his squad in place before flying out to the US for the pre-season tour,” reports The Telegraph. United will also face Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9, a fixture that now holds added importance in testing whoever steps in for Onana.

While Amorim has indicated faith in Bayındır and Vitek, Onana’s absence leaves a leadership void at the back. Questions remain as to whether Amorim will persist with his current group or make a move before the window closes.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, the timing could hardly be worse. Onana’s injury exposes a deeper issue – a lack of trusted depth between the sticks. Fans have been split on the goalkeeper since his arrival. His distribution is undoubtedly elite, but his decision-making and positioning often raise alarms. Some will feel this injury might give Amorim a perfect excuse to reset and bring in a more stable alternative.

Bayındır is still an unknown quantity, and Heaton is not a long-term solution. Vitek’s progress is promising, but throwing a 21-year-old into the mix at a time when the club is crying out for stability would be a major gamble.

What’s more frustrating is that this scenario felt avoidable. United knew about Onana’s up-and-down form. Amorim surely must have considered recruitment in this position even before the injury. Whether Martínez or someone else, it now feels like action is not just desirable, it is necessary.

If United open the season at the Emirates without Onana and suffer a setback, questions will not only fall on the keeper situation but also on the board’s decisiveness. Fans want ambition, but they also want preparedness. This current goalkeeper puzzle needs solving quickly.