Exclusive: Man Utd urged to replace Andre Onana to ‘move forward’

Is Andre Onana the Right Man Between the Sticks for Manchester United?

In the ever-demanding theatre of Old Trafford, being the No. 1 goalkeeper for Manchester United has always come with weighty expectations. For Andre Onana, those expectations seem to have turned into criticisms, as former Red Devil Paul Parker has publicly questioned whether the Cameroonian international has what it takes to help United return to the top tier of European football. In a season filled with individual errors and defensive disarray, Parker’s verdict is clear: United need a change — and they need it now.

What Happened with Andre Onana?

Signed for £47 million from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, Andre Onana arrived in Manchester with a reputation as a modern, ball-playing goalkeeper, shaped by his Ajax roots. However, things quickly soured. While Andre Onana’s ability to distribute with his feet was never in doubt, his core duty — saving shots and providing defensive assurance — became a glaring weakness. High-profile mistakes, particularly in matches against Brighton, Wolves, and Nottingham Forest, saw him heavily criticised by pundits and fans alike.

The pressure reached new heights when Andre Onana made two costly errors in a crucial Europa League quarter-final against Lyon. Only a day earlier, former United midfielder Nemanja Matic had controversially labelled him as “one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United.”

What Paul Parker Said

Speaking to  via Betsson, Parker did not hold back.

“I have to say that they do need a new goalkeeper. If they’re going to move forward next season, they need players, fans and everyone to be confident in one of the most important players on the pitch; the goalkeeper.”

Parker’s concern lies not only in Andre Onana’s performances but also in the psychological impact his presence may be having on the rest of the team. “If you don’t believe in your goalkeeper and you’ve got that fear factor, it will cost you.”

According to Parker, confidence in a goalkeeper is foundational for any successful team. He added, “Top sides always have a top goalkeeper that they are assured with, and Andre Onana is not that goalkeeper.”

The Bigger Picture: A Lack of Trust in Defence

Andre Onana vs Ipswich

One of the more troubling aspects of Parker’s comments is his belief that United’s defenders no longer trust Andre Onana.

“You didn’t know what was going to happen next, what he was going to do,” Parker said, referring to the unpredictability of Andre Onana’s performances. From misjudged rushes off his line to unconvincing saves, the United backline seemed to play with hesitancy.

It’s a concern echoed by fans and pundits alike — a goalkeeper not only needs to make saves but must also instil calm and organisation in the defensive third. Andre Onana, unfortunately, has yet to do that consistently in a United shirt.

An Outfield Player in Gloves?

Perhaps the most stinging criticism came when Parker questioned whether Andre Onana was ever truly a goalkeeper by nature.

“All you want a goalkeeper to do is save the ball. I don’t want a keeper with great feet, and if you’ve got great feet, go be an outfield player.”

Parker went further, claiming that Andre Onana’s instincts resemble those of a player who wasn’t originally a goalkeeper. “The only thing he really hasn’t done, is become a goalkeeper,” he quipped.

While such a statement may come across as overly harsh, it underlines a sentiment that has been building for some time. For all his composure and technique on the ball, Andre Onana’s primary role remains shot-stopping, and his performances have simply not lived up to that responsibility.

What Comes Next for Manchester United?

Emiliano Martinez Aston Villa 2025

With pre-season rapidly approaching and the new campaign on the horizon, there is mounting pressure on United to address their goalkeeping situation. Former Aston Villa and current Argentina No. 1 Emiliano Martinez has been floated as a potential replacement.

Parker certainly believes Martinez would be a massive upgrade.

“A keeper’s presence makes such a difference to a back four,” he explained. “I was lucky that I played with Dave Seaman at QPR and big Pete [Peter Schmeichel]. You knew they would let goals in, but they would make it difficult and the way that they would react after would let you know.”

He continued, “I don’t see the same reaction from Andre Onana, because generally he has his head down because he’s made a mistake. It’s a big issue and United don’t look like they’re doing anything about it.”

Could Emiliano Martinez Be the Answer?

A World Cup winner and a standout performer for Aston Villa, Martinez is widely regarded for his commanding presence, shot-stopping ability, and mentality in high-pressure situations. Those are all qualities United have lacked between the sticks since David de Gea’s prime years.

“You need a leader back there, someone who lifts the defenders, not someone who causes doubt,” Parker noted. “Martinez brings that Schmeichel-like energy that can drive a team forward.”

A Fork in the Road for Ruben Amorim

With Ruben Amorim expected to take charge at Old Trafford, the goalkeeper dilemma will be one of his first major decisions. While Andre Onana still has his supporters, Amorim may want a fresh start between the posts as he looks to rebuild confidence and shape a new era.

Given Parker’s comments and the statistical evidence, it’s hard to argue that a change might be necessary. The question isn’t just whether Andre Onana is good enough — it’s whether he fits the mould of what United need at this crucial juncture.

Final Thoughts

Football, as always, is a game of fine margins. A missed save here, a misread situation there, and the fate of an entire season can hang in the balance. For Manchester United, settling the goalkeeping question could be the key to restoring their former glory.

Onana’s talent is clear, but in the words of Paul Parker, sometimes talent alone isn’t enough. If United want to move forward, they may have to make the toughest call of all: saying goodbye to a marquee signing that simply hasn’t worked out.

The clock is ticking. And all eyes are now on Ruben Amorim and the United hierarchy to see what they do next.