Paul Parker names outfield position Andre Onana will be ‘much better’ in playing rather than being Manchester United goalkeeper

By Rahul Naresh

Modified Apr 17, 2025 12:38 GMT

Ex-Manchester United star Paul Parker has aimed a serious dig at Andre Onana, amid the latter's poor performances of late. The Cameroon international was left out of the Red Devils' squad for their latest Premier League outing against Newcastle United on Sunday, April 13.

This decision came after Onana's miserable game against Lyon in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg on April 10, which ended 2-2. Speaking ahead of the second leg, Parker told SPORTbible:

"I just don’t see Onana as a very natural goalkeeper, he doesn’t have very good hands and would be much better off at right back I’m sure."

"For shots, he doesn’t move his feet to get into positions, and dives very weirdly with weak hands. He looks like when a goalkeeper has been sent off and a centre half has to go in between the sticks!"

He added:

"(Nemanja) Matic said in his press conference what many Premier League pundits wouldn’t say. But many of us have been saying for ages that he is not good enough to be Manchester United’s number one, but they’ll all say it now."

"Matic came out and gave an opinion Onana and was met with the absolute truth as he cost [Manchester] United in that game."

The second leg of this tie is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, at Old Trafford. Altay Bayindir is likely to fill in for Onana if the former Ajax goalkeeper does not feature in this tie.

Ruben Amorim responds to whether Manchester United need to buy a new goalkeeper in the summer

Manchester United manager Rubem Amorim was asked whether the Red Devils will buy a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, amid Andre Onana's poor performances.

The Portuguese tactician failed to provide a clear answer and said that the club must look to help the shot-stopper improve. Responding to this query, Amorim said (via The Guardian):

"We are going to make that evaluation for any position in the squad."

"We need to improve every position on the field. Goalkeeper is the same; we can work with Andre. Andre Onana already proved he is a top player with Inter. Altay the same with Fenerbahce. We have some seasons where we are underperforming.”

Onana joined Manchester United in the summer of 2023 from Inter Milan for a reported fee of €50.20 million. He's made 43 appearances across competitions this season, keeping 10 clean sheets.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Rahul Naresh