Onana injury presents Manchester United with a dilemma

Manchester United’s pre-season plans have been dealt a significant blow following reports that goalkeeper André Onana has suffered a hamstring injury, ruling him out of the upcoming preparation matches in Sweden and the United States.

The Cameroonian international is expected to miss the entire pre-season tour, including several high-profile friendlies against fellow Premier League sides. It’s a concerning development for manager Rúben Amorim, who had penciled in Onana as his undisputed number one heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

The injury not only disrupts Onana’s own preparations, but also leaves United with an early dilemma in one of the most sensitive positions on the pitch. Pre-season is typically a time for goalkeepers to build rhythm, develop chemistry with defenders, and adapt to tactical adjustments made by the coaching staff especially under a new manager like Amorim, whose tactical structure relies heavily on playing out from the back and having a reliable shot-stopper with distribution capabilities. Onana, who was known for his ball-playing ability during his Ajax and Inter Milan days, was expected to fit naturally into Amorim’s system.

Now, however, his availability for the start of the Premier League season is in serious doubt. United’s final friendly is scheduled for August 9 at Old Trafford against Fiorentina, but all attention is already shifting to the season opener a blockbuster clash against Arsenal on Sunday, August 17 at 17:30. According to The Athletic, BBC, and The Telegraph, there is growing uncertainty within the club over whether Onana will recover in time for that high-stakes encounter. Although the 29-year-old is reportedly targeting a return in time for that match, recovery timelines for hamstring injuries can be unpredictable, and United may be forced to consider backup options.

This setback adds further complexity to an already busy summer for United’s transfer department. While the priority remains to strengthen the attack, particularly with the expected arrival of Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, the club may be forced to reassess its stance on goalkeeping depth. Mbeumo, a fellow Cameroonian and international teammate of Onana, is expected to follow Matheus Cunha as the club’s next attacking reinforcement. He brings pace, creativity, and goal-scoring instinct qualities that could boost a United side that struggled for offensive consistency last season.

However, to accommodate both squad additions and financial fair play restrictions, United may need to offload several high-profile players. Wingers Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho have all been linked with possible exits, and the funds generated from any departures could help the club pursue reinforcements including in goal, should Onana’s recovery stall or Amorim demand extra security between the posts.

Martínez and other alternatives

Behind the scenes, the club has been monitoring alternative goalkeepers, including Botafogo’s John and Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning keeper Emiliano Martínez. While neither pursuit has yet advanced to formal negotiations, the growing uncertainty around Onana may prompt United to act more decisively. Martínez, in particular, would bring immediate top-flight experience and a strong mentality to a dressing room still searching for stability after a turbulent few years post-Solskjær and Ten Hag.

Amorim had reportedly made it clear upon his appointment that he wanted a clear number one from day one, and Onana’s familiarity with playing at the highest level and under pressure made him an obvious choice. But that trust now faces its first test. The timing of the injury is especially frustrating given Onana’s mixed debut season in Manchester. Despite showing moments of brilliance, his inconsistency particularly in the Champions League group stage drew heavy scrutiny. The hope was that with a full pre-season and renewed confidence, he would bounce back stronger and more settled. That opportunity has now been partially taken away.

If United choose not to dip into the transfer market for a new goalkeeper, they may have to rely on their current backups, who lack significant top-level experience. This not only puts pressure on the coaching staff but also creates uncertainty in the defensive setup a risky proposition when your first match of the season is against a title contender like Arsenal.

Beyond the tactical and sporting implications, this situation also tests United’s broader squad-building strategy under Amorim. Injuries are an inevitable part of football, but top clubs are judged by how well they react to them. Whether through smart squad rotation, youth promotion, or swift action in the market, United’s next steps will reveal much about the club’s readiness for the season ahead.

For now, Onana’s recovery will be closely monitored, and fans will hope to see him back in training as soon as possible. But the clock is ticking and the opening whistle against Arsenal is getting closer.