Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim dropped Andre Onana on Sunday for the trip to Newcastle, following a shocking performance against Lyon on Thursday that saw the Cameroonian give away two goals.
Onana’s mistakes ensured that the tie would hang in the balance ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford on Sunday. But it was only a small sample out of an error-strewn performance that has contributed to United having their worst season in Premier League history.
After the game, there were calls by many fans for Amorim to drop the goalkeeper, and the Portuguese did for the clash against Newcastle at St James’s Park.
But top football journalist Dharmesh Sheth, speaking on Sky Sports, feels that it may not have been the best decision.
“Whatever happens, it’s adding scrutiny to a position where Manchester United really don’t want there to be any scrutiny,” said Dharmesh. “Because now he’s dropped for [the Newcastle] game – what happens on Thursday?
“Does he come back in? How much pressure is now on Altay Bayindir? All eyes will suddenly be on the goalkeeping position ahead of this game.”
Bayindir did in fact have a tough time between the sticks on Sunday, conceding four goals in his Premier League debut as United went down 4-1 to the Toons. The 27-year-old was also at fault for the last one, as his lofted pass out from the back was intercepted by Newcastle midfielder Joelington, who teed up Bruno Guimaraes to finish clinically.
United play Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday in the return leg of the Europa League quarter-final tie, and the competition might be the only opportunity Amorim has left to save United’s season from total embarrassment. Amorim has said that Onana will return to the squad for the tie.
