Manchester United manager says every player has to earn their place
Ruben Amorim has declined to guarantee Andre Onana a starting place when Manchester United face Arsenal in their Premier League opener on Sunday.
Onana, who missed much of pre-season with a hamstring injury, was widely expected to return against Mikel Arteta’s side. However, Amorim suggested competition remains open between the Cameroon international and Altay Bayindir.
United’s manager said: “It’s like the other players. Everyone has to win the place. So I’m not going to say if one player is number one. [Onana] is ready to go to the game. Let’s wait. You will know Sunday.”
Onana arrived from Inter Milan for £47.2m in 2023, but his poor form in goal has led to the club being linked with other options, including Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, Botafogo’s John, young Belgian keeper Senne Lammens, and Paris Saint Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Onana is understood to be determined to stay and fight for his place. He has three years left on his contract, but Amorim’s comments suggest he faces a battle to establish himself as the first choice.
United begin the season with a difficult run of fixtures. After hosting Arsenal, they face Manchester City and Chelsea within the first five weeks of the Premier League campaign.
