For the first time since joining Manchester United from Inter Milan, goalkeeper André Onana will miss a Premier League match by choice.
Manager Rúben Amorim made the decision in an effort to ease the pressure on the 29-year-old Cameroonian, who has had a difficult week. Tensions flared following a clash with Nemanja Matic ahead of United’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon—a match in which Onana was directly involved in both of the French side’s goals.
Facing mounting criticism, Onana will now be given time away from the spotlight. On Sunday morning, The Athletic reported that Amorim had chosen to leave him out of the squad for the match against Newcastle as a protective measure.
In his place, Altay Bayındır will make his Premier League debut, with Tom Heaton named as the backup.
This will be Bayındır’s seventh appearance of the season, having previously featured in two Europa League games, one FA Cup tie, and three League Cup matches.
Signed from Inter in 2023, Onana’s tenure at United has been turbulent. Despite the challenges, he has remained the club’s first-choice keeper, amassing 94 appearances over the past two seasons.
