Andre Onana has been left stunned by a sudden wage cut at Manchester United this season, adding another layer to his turbulent time at the club. The 29-year-old goalkeeper was reportedly surprised to see his salary reduced after United failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.
According to The Athletic, Onana approached former sporting director Dan Ashworth to discuss the unexpected pay decrease. The Cameroon international, who joined United from Inter Milan in 2023 for £43.8 million, signed a five-year contract. That fee has been spread across the length of his deal, meaning his current book value stands at roughly £26 million.
However, his form has dipped dramatically. Onana has made nine errors leading directly to goals since the start of the 2023–24 season, more than any other Premier League goalkeeper. Last week, his struggles reached a new low after two costly mistakes in a 2-2 Europa League draw against Lyon.
As a result, manager Ruben Amorim dropped Onana entirely from the squad for United’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday. Amorim explained his decision by saying, “Sometimes, you have to push the player to play again, sometimes you have to let him disconnect a little bit.”
Despite his poor performances, Onana is expected to stay at Old Trafford. The club reportedly can’t afford to sell him for less than £26 million without recording an accounting loss, which would negatively affect United’s finances under profit and sustainability rules.
Altay Bayındır stepped in for the Newcastle game but also struggled, making a major error that led to one of the goals. His performance didn’t offer much reassurance, raising the likelihood that Onana will return to the starting lineup for the Europa League second leg against Lyon.
Tensions remain high. After the Lyon match, former United midfielder Nemanja Matic—now playing for the French side—called Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s history. Onana responded sharply, stating, “At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”
His comeback was short-lived, as another shaky display followed. With no strong alternative in goal and limited financial flexibility, United face a tough summer decision. A loan move may be their only viable option unless a club is willing to meet the £26 million threshold.
Meanwhile, The Sun reports that United are considering a move for Aaron Ramsdale as a potential replacement. Despite Southampton’s relegation, Ramsdale reportedly wants to stay in the Premier League.
