In a press conference before the Manchester derby against Manchester City, Ruben Amorim explained the temporary departure of André Onana from Manchester United, stating that the Cameroonian goalkeeper needed a mental break after a difficult period.
Amorim clarified that the decision aimed to preserve the player’s mindset, especially following Onana’s visible errors in the Europa League quarter-final match against Lyon, where he conceded a crucial goal in the closing minutes. The break was also an opportunity for Onana to regain confidence before potentially reclaiming his place in the return leg.
The Portuguese coach defended his choice by highlighting the importance of managing the psychological aspects of players at a demanding level such as Manchester United. He also mentioned difficult personal circumstances for Onana, whose wife recently suffered a theft, prompting the club to increase their security. Ruben Amorim confirmed that young goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who also joined in 2023, would start the derby and has already made six Premier League starts this season, confirming his rise within the squad.
Regarding Onana’s departure, Amorim stated that sending the goalkeeper on loan was part of a medium- and long-term management strategy, balancing Onana’s experience with the future potential represented notably by Senne Lammens, a young goalkeeper recently recruited. According to Amorim, this change was necessary because « sometimes, certain moments and environments don’t work as hoped, » impacting the team’s overall dynamics. Onana’s loan thus represents a transitional phase for both the player and the club.
Finally, despite these adjustments, Amorim emphasized André Onana’s undeniable quality as a high-level goalkeeper, while underlining the complexity of coaching amid the ups and downs of professional football. The coach stressed that each decision is carefully considered, balancing sporting and human factors, in a context where Manchester United aims to become competitive at the highest level again. The upcoming derby will be a crucial new step where Bayindir’s role will be closely watched.