Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is reportedly stunned by a recent reduction in his wages. Despite criticism over his performances, the club is said to have placed a high valuation on him, making it clear they are not willing to accept a lower transfer fee. Financial constraints reportedly mean United cannot afford to sell Onana for anything less than their set price.
Andre Onana Reportedly Stunned by Wage Reduction as Manchester United Struggle to Offload Goalkeeper
Andre Onana is said to be taken aback by a cut to his salary at Manchester United this season, a consequence of the club’s failure to secure Champions League football. Despite his poor performances, United are reportedly unable to sell the Cameroonian goalkeeper for less than £26 million due to financial and accounting constraints.
The 29-year-old has faced sharp criticism over his form, with his struggles hitting a low point after two costly mistakes led to goals in United’s 2-2 Europa League quarter-final draw against Lyon. That performance led to him being left out of the squad entirely for the heavy 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, with manager Ruben Amorim explaining that Onana needed time to mentally regroup.
Onana joined United from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023 for a fee of £43.8 million and signed a five-year contract. The club spread the cost of the transfer over the length of his deal, meaning his current book value sits at around £26 million. Selling him for less would result in an accounting loss, something United are keen to avoid given their current financial situation.
Reports suggest that Onana voiced his frustration over the pay cut to the club’s former sporting director Dan Ashworth, indicating that he was not expecting such a drop in income. Meanwhile, Amorim justified dropping the goalkeeper, citing the importance of managing a player’s mental state, especially after a series of high-profile blunders.
Since the start of the 2023-24 season, Onana has made more mistakes leading to goals than any other Premier League goalkeeper—nine in total. Despite this, it seems unlikely the club will find a buyer willing to meet the necessary price, which could lead to either a loan move or keeping him as a backup option.
United’s other goalkeeper, Altay Bayındır, didn’t help his case to claim the number one spot after his error in the Newcastle match, prompting further concerns about the club’s options between the posts. Pundits, including Roy Keane, criticized Bayındır’s risky play, while speculation continues about United’s interest in potential replacements like Aaron Ramsdale.
Onana has also been at the center of public clashes, including a recent spat with former teammate Nemanja Matic, who labeled him one of United’s worst keepers. Onana hit back by pointing to his trophy wins at the club, though his performances since have drawn even more criticism.
With the second leg against Lyon approaching, all eyes will be on whether Onana regains his spot and manages to turn his season around.
