Andre Onana Must Go? Ex-Red Devil Urges United Shake-Up

Andre Onana is once again in the spotlight after former Manchester United defender Paul Parker insisted the club must replace their high-profile goalkeeper if they want to return to the Premier League summit. Parker, who won two titles at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson, branded the Cameroon international “an outfield player who has gone in goal” and warned that Onana’s presence is sowing uncertainty throughout the back line.

Andre Onana debate reignited amid United rebuild

United’s decision to invest an initial £43 million in Andre Onana last summer was sold as a bold tactical shift. Manager Erik ten Hag wanted a sweeper-keeper capable of launching attacks, mirroring their successful partnership at Ajax. Yet a catalogue of high-profile errors, from mis-timed charges off his line to mis-placed passes under minimal pressure, quickly placed him under the microscope. Only Nottingham Forest’s Matt Turner committed more mistakes leading directly to goals before Christmas, and Onana’s shot-stopping percentage hovered below 70%, well adrift of the league’s elite.

Why Parker believes a change is essential

Speaking to reporters, Parker argued that confidence in a title-challenging side must begin with a commanding No. 1. He contends that Onana’s instinct to drift into midfield zones leaves centre-backs “second-guessing both their positions and their decisions.” The ex-full-back’s assessment mirrors murmurs from inside Carrington, where sources have suggested certain defenders prefer a more traditional keeper who stays closer to his line.

Tactical pros and cons of keeping Onana

To Ten Hag’s credit, the 27-year-old completed more accurate long passes than any other goalkeeper in England’s top flight, helping United bypass the first press. His progressive distribution also contributed to fast counters that yielded 14 league goals. However, the same risk-heavy approach saw United concede from turnovers in their own defensive third on eight occasions, the worst record among top-half clubs. Data analysts at Opta calculate that Onana’s aggressive positioning cost United an additional 0.28 Expected Goals Against per game compared with David de Gea’s final season.

Alternative options on United’s radar

If the board heeds Parker’s advice, who might replace Andre Onana? Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone, a United academy graduate, is admired for his reflexes and leadership. Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin has been scouted extensively; at 22, he fits the club’s long-term profile. Meanwhile, Porto’s Diogo Costa continues to top statistical models for both distribution and shot-stopping, while Brentford would demand a premium for David Raya despite Arsenal’s interest. Club insiders maintain that Financial Fair Play constraints mean any new arrival would likely require recouping the bulk of the fee spent on Onana, or structuring an initial loan with an obligation to buy.

Dressing-room dynamics and leadership concerns

Multiple senior players, including captain Bruno Fernandes, have publicly backed the current No. 1, highlighting his vocal presence and willingness to take responsibility. Yet former team-mates like Gary Neville have echoed Parker’s concerns about mixed messaging in the penalty area. A split dressing room over the goalkeeper position can have a domino effect, potentially undermining Ten Hag’s broader rebuild that already involves shoring up midfield and securing a proven striker.

The financial equation

Offloading a recently signed asset is rarely straightforward. Onana’s contract runs until 2028, and amortised costs mean United would record a loss on any fee below £34 million. The Glazers, still exploring strategic alternatives for investment, prefer value retention. As a result, club chiefs may instead seek a veteran deputy—Keylor Navas has been offered—who can push Andre Onana while allowing tactical flexibility week-to-week.

Andre Onana future: stay, rotate or sell?

Ten Hag remains outwardly supportive, stressing that his project hinges on bravery in possession: “Mistakes are a part of progress,” the Dutchman insists. Yet pressure from pundits, fans and former legends like Parker raises a familiar Old Trafford dilemma—stick with the original plan or pivot quickly to chase short-term results. History suggests United are unafraid of decisive goalkeeper calls; Peter Schmeichel’s eventual departure led to a revolving door until Edwin van der Sar restored order years later.

Stat corner: Onana versus Premier League peers

• Saves per 90: 3.1 (10th)
• Save percentage: 69.2% (12th)
• Clean sheets: 8 (joint-8th)
• Completed passes into opposition half: 178 (1st)
The numbers underline a paradox: elite distribution paired with merely average goal prevention. For Parker, that imbalance skews perilously toward risk.

Fan sentiment and social media pulse

A recent supporters’ poll conducted by The Athletic saw 57% favour signing a new No. 1, while 26% preferred giving Andre Onana another season, and 17% remained undecided. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #OnanaOut trended briefly after February’s FA Cup scare against lower-league Newport, though a run of strong performances in March tempered the backlash.

What happens next?

United’s summer transfer strategy hinges on Champions League qualification. If the club misses out on Europe’s premier competition, financial shortfalls could necessitate player sales, intensifying scrutiny on high-wage earners like Onana. Conversely, a late-season surge and top-four finish might buy Ten Hag another window to refine his tactical framework around the Cameroonian.

Final whistle: an opinion

Replacing Andre Onana in haste would risk undermining a long-term possession blueprint that Ten Hag is only beginning to instil. Yet persisting without serious competition between the posts could equally stunt progress. The smart move? Add an experienced challenger, keep Onana honest, and let performance—not past reputations—decide who stands between United and the next era of silverware.