Ruben Amorimin rohkea päätös miksi André Onana jätettiin Manchester Unitedin avausottelusta sivuun
The new season at Old Trafford opened with a surprise that went far beyond Manchester United’s 0–1 defeat to Arsenal. The absence of last year’s first-choice goalkeeper, André Onana, from the squad entirely sent shockwaves through the fan base. Supporters expected to see him between the posts, not missing from the lineup altogether—especially given no new goalkeeper was signed in the summer.
“Others earned their chance”
After the match, new manager Rúben Amorim quickly clarified matters. He explained to Sky Sports that Onana’s omission was neither due to injury nor disciplinary issues. Instead, it was about rewarding performance.
“This is not about injuries and not about desire. We pick the players who deserve to play, and in preseason the other goalkeepers showed they deserved a chance too. Every game is a new decision. I have to keep it balanced,” he said.
That statement reframed the debate—it wasn’t punishment, but competition. Still, for Onana, who was signed for £50 million and charged with replacing fan favorite David de Gea, being dropped entirely from the squad underscored a new reality: reputation counts for little under Amorim.
A first-choice keeper suddenly on shaky ground?
Onana’s arrival in 2023 was meant to transform United’s style, with his passing ability promising to modernize their play. Instead, his first few months were littered with costly mistakes. While he recovered and grew more reliable by the season’s end, his immediate exclusion from Amorim’s first competitive squad has reopened scrutiny over his standing.
The decision also casts a brighter light on United’s backup options. Altay Bayındır impressed in preseason, as did veteran Tom Heaton. Amorim has shown he values form over reputation, and his willingness to act decisively has already shaken up the squad pecking order.
Højlund stuck in the rumor mill
Another big absentee was striker Rasmus Højlund. Unlike Onana, however, his case ties directly to the transfer market. Amorim confirmed that the Danish forward was left out because the club expects him to move on, either through a sale or loan. Despite Højlund’s determination to stay and fight for minutes, recent attacking signings have likely nudged him out of the plans moving forward.
What it all means going forward
United’s performance against Arsenal showed energy but lacked sharpness in key areas. Amorim’s decisions are already redefining the team ethos: no place is guaranteed, not even for marquee signings. Whether that approach pays off will depend on how the players respond—and how long someone like Onana remains sidelined.
One game could be written off as rotation; a string of omissions will raise far bigger questions about his long-term future at Old Trafford.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester United opened their season with a 0–1 home loss to Arsenal.
- André Onana was left out entirely, not due to injury, but competition from others following strong preseason performances.
- Amorim is reshaping expectations, emphasizing performance over reputation.
- Rasmus Højlund was omitted because he is expected to be moved on in the transfer market.
- Onana’s role could emerge as one of the defining storylines of United’s season.
Alternative Headlines
- Onana benched: Amorim shakes up Manchester United’s goalkeeping order
- No guarantees under Amorim: United’s £50m keeper left out of opener
- Preseason form trumps reputation as United boss explains Onana decision
If you were in Amorim’s shoes, would you keep faith in Onana as the clear No. 1—or lean fully into the sparks of competition his absence has ignited?
