Onana dropped for Newcastle clash after costly errors against Lyon

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana will not be available for the club’s Premier League match against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday.

This follows increased criticism over his recent performance in the 2-2 Europa League draw against Lyon, where he was blamed for both of the French side’s goals.

According to sources, the decision to leave out the Cameroonian international is to give him time to “rest and disconnect,” and is not a permanent exclusion. Onana is expected to return for the second leg of the quarter-final tie against Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday.

The 29-year-old has been under pressure due to several mistakes this season. His poor showing against Lyon came just a day after ex-United midfielder Nemanja Matic labelled him “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s history.

Despite the backlash, United manager Ruben Amorim has publicly backed Onana. After the Lyon match, Amorim said he had personally made more mistakes this season than the goalkeeper and stood by his player.

Onana, who joined Manchester United from Inter Milan in 2023 for £47 million, has started all 69 Premier League matches since his arrival. However, he has struggled to deliver consistent performances. Since the beginning of last season, he has made eight errors that directly led to goals—the highest among current Premier League goalkeepers.

He was brought in by former manager Erik ten Hag as a replacement for David de Gea, mainly because of his skills with the ball at his feet. But his recent struggles, including a misjudged save that led to Lyon’s opening goal on Thursday, have raised concerns about his reliability.

In Onana’s absence, Turkey’s Altay Bayindir is set to make his Premier League debut on Sunday. Bayindir has only played five times this season, all in domestic cup matches, with his last appearance in January.

Off the pitch, Onana has also dealt with personal difficulties. Last month, his wife, Melanie Kamayou, was robbed outside a restaurant in Cheshire.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United will also be without their manager Eddie Howe for the clash. The club announced that Howe had been taken to hospital after several days of illness.