The turbulent Manchester United career of André Onana could soon take a new twist. Reports confirm that United and Trabzonspor have reached a verbal agreement for a season-long loan deal, leaving the final decision in the hands of the Cameroonian goalkeeper. With the Turkish transfer window closing on September 12, time is running out for both clubs to finalise the move.
Why Onana Is Open to Leaving United
Onana joined Manchester United in 2023 with high expectations, but his time at Old Trafford has been anything but smooth. This season, he has made just one appearance—a Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town where costly mistakes once again brought criticism.
New competition from Senne Lammens, alongside Altay Bayindir and veteran Tom Heaton, has pushed Onana down the pecking order. A loan move could give him the chance to rebuild his form and confidence away from the spotlight of the Premier League.
Who’s in Charge at Trabzonspor?
If Onana makes the switch, he’ll be playing under Fatih Tekke, who took over as head coach in March 2025. A former striker for Trabzonspor and the Turkish national team, Tekke is seen as a passionate figure with a clear project to restore the club’s competitiveness.
Tekke replaced veteran boss Şenol Güneş, who stepped into a sporting director role earlier this year. Known for his attacking philosophy and trust in technically gifted players, Tekke could benefit from a goalkeeper like Onana, who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and suits a more progressive system.
What This Means for Both Clubs
- For Manchester United: Letting Onana go reduces the logjam in goal, but leaves questions about depth. Lammens is untested in English football, Bayindir has been inconsistent, and Heaton is approaching the end of his career.
- For Trabzonspor: Signing Onana, even temporarily, would be a major coup. His Champions League experience could provide leadership and quality as Tekke looks to build a squad capable of challenging in Turkey and Europe.
