Andre Onana Back in the Spotlight as Man Utd Face Fulham Test

For Manchester United, the opening weeks of the new Premier League season have been anything but straightforward. A narrow defeat to Arsenal on the opening weekend left fans frustrated, not only because of the result but also because of the goalkeeping drama that unfolded at Old Trafford. Now, as the Red Devils prepare for a tricky away trip to Fulham, the headlines are once again focused on one man – Andre Onana.

The Cameroon international, who has been both criticised and defended in equal measure since his high-profile move from Inter Milan last summer, is back in the squad and could reclaim his place between the sticks. Ruben Amorim, United’s new boss, has been keeping his cards close to his chest about who will start, but the inclusion of Onana in the travelling party signals that he is firmly back in contention.

Andre Onana Returns to Man Utd Squad

When the team sheet dropped against Arsenal last weekend, many were surprised to see Altay Bayindir start instead of Onana. The Turkish goalkeeper, signed last year to provide competition, was thrust into the spotlight but endured a difficult afternoon. His positioning and decision-making came under fire for Arsenal’s winning goal, with pundits and supporters alike pointing the finger at him for gifting Mikel Arteta’s side a crucial three points.

That error seems to have opened the door for Onana’s comeback. According to the Manchester Evening News, the 28-year-old has been included in the 21-man squad travelling to Craven Cottage. While Amorim has not publicly confirmed who his number one will be, Onana is believed to be “in line” to reclaim the gloves.

For Onana, this represents a chance at redemption. His first year in Manchester was plagued by inconsistency, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by high-profile mistakes in both the Premier League and the Champions League. The pre-season injury he picked up this summer only added to the uncertainty, leaving United scrambling for options. Yet with no new goalkeeper signed – at least not yet – Onana may be handed a golden opportunity to silence his critics.

A Rocky Start Under Amorim

Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford was supposed to signal a fresh start for several underperforming players. The Portuguese coach has already shown he isn’t afraid to make bold decisions, dropping Onana on the opening day being one of them. Some viewed it as a tactical statement, while others saw it as a warning shot that no one’s place is guaranteed.

Yet, leaving Onana out against Arsenal sparked just as many questions as answers. Was it purely down to fitness concerns after his summer layoff? Or was Amorim genuinely considering Bayindir as a long-term option? Either way, the performance at Old Trafford did little to convince anyone that United’s goalkeeping situation was under control.

Now, Onana has the chance to make a statement of his own. If he starts at Fulham and delivers a commanding performance, Amorim may have little choice but to reinstall him as his first-choice keeper moving forward.

Transfer Rumours: Lammens in the Frame

Onana

Of course, the goalkeeper situation at United may not be settled yet. Reports suggest that the club have opened advanced talks with Senne Lammens, the young Belgian shot-stopper currently at Royal Antwerp. The 22-year-old is seen as a goalkeeper for the future, but at a rumoured £17 million ($23m) fee, he would hardly be arriving just to sit on the bench.

If Lammens does sign, it could spell trouble for Bayindir, who already looks to be under pressure after just one start this season. Onana, meanwhile, is not expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, meaning the Cameroonian could still play a key role in Amorim’s project, at least in the short term.

A Season-Defining Opportunity

For Manchester United, the trip to Craven Cottage is more than just another early-season fixture. It’s a chance to reset after the Arsenal setback and to show that the team can be defensively solid – something that has been missing for too long.

United’s summer business has clearly prioritised attacking reinforcements, with Amorim keen to add more creativity and firepower up front. Yet even with new signings boosting the forward line, the defence remains under intense scrutiny. Last season, United conceded far too many soft goals, and the pressure is on to tighten things up if they are to push back towards the Champions League places.

That’s why the goalkeeper decision is so crucial. A team can only be as solid as the man guarding the net, and United need reliability above all else. If Onana can rediscover the form that made him such a standout performer at Ajax and Inter, then Amorim may finally have the stability he craves.

Onana’s Chance to Silence the Doubters

Onana Bayindir

No player divides opinion among United supporters quite like Andre Onana. His confidence on the ball, sweeper-keeper style, and willingness to take risks have all been praised by coaches, but those same qualities have also led to costly errors. Some see him as a modern goalkeeper perfectly suited to United’s long-term ambitions. Others view him as a liability.

Now, with the spotlight firmly back on him, Onana has the chance to swing the narrative in his favour. A strong showing against Fulham – a team known for their physicality and ability to test keepers with set pieces – could be exactly what he needs to rebuild his reputation in England.

Of course, one game won’t erase a season’s worth of doubts. But football is full of moments that change careers, and Saturday at Craven Cottage could be one of those moments for Onana.

The Verdict

So, where does that leave United heading into the Fulham clash? For Amorim, the decision is as much psychological as it is tactical. Starting Bayindir again would be a massive show of faith after his Arsenal mistake, but it could also risk further defensive instability. Restoring Onana, on the other hand, could bring back experience and a sense of authority in goal – but also reopens the door to the inconsistency that haunted United last season.

What’s certain is that the goalkeeper situation at Manchester United remains one of the most intriguing subplots of the early Premier League campaign. Fans will be eagerly watching the team sheet drop at Craven Cottage, scanning for one name above all others: Andre Onana.

For him, this is not just another match. It’s a chance to prove that he still belongs at the highest level, that he can be the man to guard United’s net, and that he has the resilience to bounce back from setbacks.

The stage is set, the critics are waiting, and Onana once again has the spotlight.