Ruben Amorim has thrown his full support behind Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana, declaring him a “vital” part of the squad despite a challenging 2024-25 season, as the team prepares for pre-season training starting Monday, July 7, 2025. This endorsement, revealed in a press conference ahead of United’s Asia tour, signals Amorim’s intent to transform Onana into a cornerstone of a new possession-based system, offering hope for a revival after a campaign marked by inconsistency and defensive frailties.
Last season was a nightmare for Manchester United, finishing 15th in the Premier League with 18 losses and suffering a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Onana, signed from Inter Milan in 2023, faced heavy scrutiny, conceding 58 goals in 38 Premier League matches and struggling with distribution in Amorim’s 3-4-3 setup, which demands a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at their feet. His long-ball accuracy was a particular weak point, with only 35% of his passes finding their mark, contributing to United’s disjointed build-up play. Despite this, Amorim sees Onana’s technical ability and composure as critical to his vision of a fluid, possession-based game.
Amorim’s backing comes with a clear directive: Onana must adapt to a more proactive role, initiating attacks from the back and supporting the high-pressing 3-4-3 system. At Inter, Onana excelled in a similar role under Simone Inzaghi, averaging 45 passes per game with an 85% completion rate, but at United, his confidence waned amid a porous defense and injuries to key players like Lisandro Martínez and Diogo Dalot. Amorim, who took over in November 2024, has worked closely with Onana to refine his decision-making, emphasizing quick, precise passes to bypass opposition presses—a hallmark of his successful Sporting CP teams.
Pre-season will be pivotal for Onana to cement his place. With no European football, United’s 40 to 50 matches in 2025-26 allow more training time to embed Amorim’s tactics. The focus will be on improving Onana’s synergy with the back three, likely featuring Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro, assuming they recover from injuries. Amorim has also hinted at tactical tweaks, potentially using Onana as a sweeper-keeper to cover spaces left by an aggressive press, a role that suits his agility and bravery, evidenced by his 12 clean sheets last season despite defensive chaos.
Fans and pundits have mixed views, with some on X praising Onana’s shot-stopping but questioning his fit in a possession-heavy system. Others see Amorim’s faith as a turning point, noting Onana’s resilience in high-pressure moments, like his penalty save in the Europa League semi-final. The goalkeeper’s outspoken personality aligns with Amorim’s call for honesty, fostering a strong relationship between the two. However, with United eyeing a squad overhaul and potential signings like a new midfielder or attacker, Onana’s performances in friendlies across Malaysia, the US, and Asia will be under scrutiny.
Amorim’s message to Onana is part of his broader “suffer together” ethos, urging the squad to embrace discomfort for progress. By doubling down on the 29-year-old Cameroonian, Amorim is betting on Onana’s potential to anchor a rebuilt United, but failure to adapt could see him sidelined in a ruthless rebuild. For now, this vote of confidence offers Onana a fresh start to redefine his United career and silence doubters in a pivotal season.
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