Neville predicts Onana exit after United transfer move

upday.com 12 godzin temu

Gary Neville believes Andre Onana could push for a departure from Manchester United before the transfer deadline after learning of the club's pursuit of a new goalkeeper. The former United defender suggests Onana's confidence has been "shot" by the club's active search for his replacement.

Manchester United are close to completing a £17m move for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Onana has been named as a substitute for Sunday's clash with Fulham, with Altay Bayindir retaining his place in goal despite an unconvincing display in the opening weekend defeat to Arsenal.

Lammens was notably absent from Royal Antwerp's squad for their recent match against Mechelen, further fuelling speculation about the imminent transfer. The 23-year-old Belgian would provide additional competition in what has become United's most problematic position.

Neville reveals insider knowledge

Neville revealed he had spoken to contacts within the club who confirmed that finding a new goalkeeper remains a priority. The Sky Sports pundit explained that while any new signing would likely start as backup, United absolutely need a reliable number one.

"Now that Onana knows United have been scouting around Europe for a new goalkeeper and replacement for him, his confidence must be shot at and he must be thinking he wants to get out," Neville said. He warned that both the goalkeeper situation and finding a central midfielder to partner Bruno Fernandes need resolving before September 1.

The former United full-back emphasised the urgency of the situation. "They have to deal with that. That and the central midfielder slot next to Bruno are the two things they need to get sorted this week."

Current options underwhelming

Despite his concerns about the situation, Neville still considers Onana the best available option for manager Ruben Amorim. He described the Cameroonian as "the most reliable out of the unreliable goalkeepers they have."

"I would go with Onana, he's the most reliable out of the unreliable goalkeepers they have," Neville said. "I think Bayindir is young, Onana for me is the better goalkeeper, although he makes mistakes as well and he's not ideal. But I think he's got a bigger personality and character than Bayindir and he's got that experience."

However, sources close to Manchester Evening News suggest Onana "will 100% stay" at United despite the transfer speculation. Meanwhile, Lammens reportedly views a Premier League move as a platform to challenge Thibaut Courtois for Belgium's national team goalkeeper position.

Sources used: "Mirror", "Daily Mail", "Manchester Evening News", "Daily Star", "Independent" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.

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