“I warned him but he never listened. So this is my final Verdict”-What Ruben Amorim said to Andre Onana immediately after leaving him out of Man Utd squad speaks volumes.
Rúben Amorim Breaks Silence on Onana’s Absence: “It Was About Resetting, Not Replacing”
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has opened up about his decision to exclude goalkeeper André Onana from the squad that faced Newcastle over the weekend — a move that followed the Cameroonian’s difficult showing in the Europa League.
Onana came under fire after two costly errors in United’s 2–2 draw against Lyon, reigniting criticism over his recent performances. But rather than harsh punishment, Amorim opted for a more thoughtful approach.
According to BBC Sport, the Portuguese coach personally spoke with Onana, explaining that he needed time to mentally reset and take a short break after a high-pressure outing.
> “It’s not about dropping him — it’s about giving him space to breathe,” Amorim reportedly told Onana. “After nights like Thursday, stepping back can sometimes be the best step forward.”
Despite fans speculating about a possible change in the pecking order, Amorim assured his goalkeeper that his role remains secure and that he is still in contention to start the Europa League second leg at Old Trafford.
In the meantime, Turkish shot-stopper Altay Bayındır is set to get his Premier League debut, offering him a rare chance to prove himself on a big stage.
When addressing the media, Amorim defended Onana’s recent struggles, choosing unity over blame:
> “When one player slips up, we all do. That’s football. We win and lose as a team.”
The United boss also emphasized the importance of constructive recovery:
> “We’ll go over every moment from the match, sit down together, train hard, and come back stronger. That’s how we build confidence.”
Amorim’s supportive tone stands in contrast to the backlash Onana has faced. As pressure mounts at Old Trafford, the manager’s decision to back his player rather than abandon him may speak volumes about the culture he’s trying to foster.
With crucial matches on the horizon, Amorim’s message is clear: resilience is key, and trust within the squad isn’t easily shaken — eve
n in moments of vulnerability.
