By Martin Graham
Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana will not be involved on the pitch during the club’s pre-season trip to the United States after sustaining a hamstring issue during training. The 29-year-old Cameroon international is making encouraging progress with his recovery and will still join the team stateside for the Premier League Summer Series, though his role will be limited to rehabilitation rather than match action.
As a result, 27-year-old Altay Bayındır is expected to step up as manager Rúben Amorim’s starting option during the friendlies. The Turkish goalkeeper had faced uncertainty regarding his position at Old Trafford, especially after being overlooked for the Europa League final last May, despite Onana’s inconsistent performances leading up to the match.
Goalkeeping situation Under review
There are questions over whether Onana’s setback will lead United to re-enter the transfer market for a new goalkeeper. There were already whispers at the close of last season that the club might consider reinforcing that position. Still, Amorim has publicly backed Onana, who began pre-season training with the expectation of retaining his role as first-choice goalkeeper, despite several errors in his debut campaign after arriving from Inter Milan for £47.2 million in 2023.
Veteran Tom Heaton, aged 39, recently signed a one-year contract extension and remains part of the squad. Meanwhile, the club’s other options include younger prospects: 21-year-old Radek Vitek, who performed well on loan in Austria at FC Blau-Weiß Linz; 22-year-old Dermot Mee; 19-year-old Elyh Harrison; and 20-year-old Hubert Graczyk from Poland. All four were named in matchday squads toward the end of last season but have yet to feature in a senior match.
Upcoming fixtures and U.S. Tour
United will start their summer schedule with a friendly against Leeds United in Stockholm on 19 July. The team will then fly to the United States for fixtures against West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton between 27 July and 3 August as part of the Premier League Summer Series. Their pre-season will conclude with a home match at Old Trafford against Fiorentina on 9 August.
The new Premier League season begins for United with a high-profile clash against Arsenal on 17 August.
