Manchester United could be nearing a solution to one of their most pressing headaches this summer — finding a new home for André Onana. After a turbulent season riddled with inconsistency, the Cameroonian goalkeeper may be on his way out, and AS Monaco have reportedly emerged as a potential escape route.
When Onana arrived from Inter Milan in a deal worth £44 million, he was meant to usher in a new era between the sticks at Old Trafford. With his sweeping style and confidence on the ball, he was viewed as the ideal fit for Erik ten Hag’s build-from-the-back philosophy. David de Gea, a club legend, was deemed surplus to requirements, and Onana was installed as the new No.1 almost instantly.
However, the reality didn’t match the expectations. Despite flashes of his ability, Onana became a lightning rod for criticism. A string of costly mistakes in key matches, including errors in Champions League and domestic fixtures, saw the fanbase grow increasingly restless.
New manager Rúben Amorim, known for his tactical discipline and preference for reliability over flair in goal, is reportedly unconvinced. Club insiders suggest that both Amorim and the board are aligned in their desire to bring in a new No.1, making it clear that Onana’s days at the club are likely numbered.
Getting rid of a high-profile goalkeeper on a hefty contract isn’t easy, but there’s a flicker of light for United in the form of Monaco. The Ligue 1 side has made informal contact about Onana, gauging the possibility of a summer move. While no formal offer has been tabled yet, sources close to both clubs indicate that Monaco are serious about exploring the deal.
For United, this could be a welcome development. The club cannot move forward in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper — widely believed to be Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez — unless Onana is off the books. Martínez, is reportedly open to the move, and Villa could be persuaded with a £40 million fee. But as it stands, United can’t carry both goalkeepers financially or logistically.
Monaco’s interest offers a potential win-win. The French club is looking to bolster their squad with experienced internationals, and Onana, for all his flaws this season, still carries a strong resume from his time at Inter and Ajax.
