Manchester United have received a significant fitness boost ahead of the new season, with reports confirming that first-choice goalkeeper André Onana is targeting a return from injury for the crucial Premier League opener against Arsenal.
Onana sustained a hamstring injury in training just before the club’s pre-season tour of the United States and has subsequently not featured in any of their summer friendlies. According to the Manchester Evening News, he will also miss the final warm-up game against Fiorentina this weekend.
However, his recovery is progressing well, and he is now expected to be fit and available to start against the Gunners at Old Trafford in just over a week’s time on August 17.
Despite the positive news of his imminent return, there are understandable concerns among the fanbase that the 29-year-old will be “undercooked” and lacking essential match sharpness for such a high-stakes fixture after missing the entire pre-season campaign.
These concerns are amplified by the shaky pre-season form of his primary backup, Altay Bayındır, who has struggled in the games he has played. This leaves United’s goalkeeping situation in a somewhat precarious position heading into the new season.
This lingering uncertainty could still push United to act in the transfer market. The club has been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who reportedly wants to join them. Onana’s return might not be enough to completely halt the club’s pursuit of a world-class alternative.
While the return of André Onana is certainly welcome news for manager Ruben Amorim, significant questions remain over Manchester United’s goalkeeping department as the new season fast approaches.