Manchester United

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We asked for your views on whether Ruben Amorim has made the right decision to bring Andre Onana straight back into the starting team for tomorrow's game against Lyon after the goalkeeper made mistakes for both goals last week and was dropped from the squad against Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Stuart: He has little choice but to bring Onana back after 'resting' him, if he doesn't want to destroy him mentally. However for next season we need a better goalkeeper than Onana.

Dave: Onana needs to go. He is our worst keeper since Paddy Roche.

Lucy: If the Lyon game wasn't so important I would recommend Heaton start instead, so hopefully he'll get a run-out in the Premier League.

Craig: Onana is done. Same as Rashford and many others. Onana is meant to be better with his feet but poor positioning and weak handling are too many faults to have. Bayindir is not a number one. United should have bought Jordan Pickford.

Mark: Amorim will ride or die on the Onana decision tomorrow night. If he makes a goalkeeping error that leads to any way the team gets knocked out we all know it's all over Friday's papers. What will be will be, just score a goal first and hope the whole team defend as a unit.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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In fairness to Ruben Amorim, he didn't shirk it.

The Manchester United head coach could have opted not to answer and leave everyone guessing - or scurrying to find out through other means - until his team for Thursday's game against Lyon is announced 75 minutes before kick-off.

But he was straight to the point - and Andre Onana starts.

Amorim pointed out that it is not because he likes the Cameroon international - although he does - nor because he feels the goalkeeper's confidence needs a boost.

It is because he feels Onana is the best man for the job.

He skirted round questions over whether he will need a new goalkeeper this summer. But, in the here and now, he trusts Onana to deliver a performance that will help United progress to the Europa League semi-finals.

"When I imagine the game, I see Andre Onana," said Amorim.

He can only hope his faith is justified.

Read more on Onana's future here

And the goalkeeper is discussed on the latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast - listen on BBC Sounds here

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford (20:00 BST).

The score is level at 2-2 on aggregate from the first leg in France. Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Amorim confirmed forward Joshua Zirkzee will be out of the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, while defender Ayden Heaven will miss the game with a "small issue". Jonny Evans has returned to training but is not available for Thursday and Mathijs de Light is expected to return before the end of the campaign.

• He added that Amad Diallo is not expected to return before the end of April but hopes to have the winger available again this season.

• On the Zirkzee news: "It's tough. He's improving in all aspects of the game so it's hard to stop. He has to be ready now to recover."

• Amorim confirmed goalkeeper Andre Onana will start after being left out of the squad for Sunday's defeat at Newcastle.

• On the club's goalkeeper situation: "I try to do things that can help a player in this situation. We speak about managing players physically, but we also have to manage them mentally. We had one weekend where I felt it was better for Andre Onana not to play and a good thing for Altay [Bayindir] to play."

• Amorim was pushed to answer whether United will buy a new goalkeeper: "We need to improve every position on the field. Goalkeeper is the same and we can work with Andre. He has already proved he is a top player at Inter."

• He used his own record to defend Onana: "We are going to make that evaluation for any position. And if we're talking about mistakes, you can see my record. My record is the worst one in our team. I'm also underperforming and I think I'm the right guy to coach the team, so I think the same for Andre."

• He was asked about the importance of qualifying for the Champions League: "I think it is more about the budget. Champions League can change everything. But, you can see it both ways. In the Champions League, it is tough to play against top teams on Wednesday and then at the weekend in the Premier League. If we don't have Champions League, we have more time to build the team."

Is it the right decision to bring Onana straight back against Lyon? Send us your thoughts here

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Forward Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and fellow defender Ayden Heaven were all missing from the open section of Manchester United training before Thursday's crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford.

As reported by BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel on Tuesday, Zirkzee could miss the remainder of the season with the hamstring injury he suffered at Newcastle on Sunday.

Heaven has suffered a minor setback in his recovery from the ankle injury he picked up at Leicester last month.

Veteran central defender Jonny Evans was part of the group. Evans has been out since December because of injury.

Meanwhile, Amad Diallo was training on his own as he recovers from his ankle injury.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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With budgets not what they were at Manchester United, it is likely Ruben Amorim's first summer transfer window as Old Trafford boss will see him required to cope with some spending restrictions.

‌A new centre-forward is viewed as the club's preferred area to strengthen. Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who is also a target for Chelsea, is on their radar - though any move for the 22-year-old would be dependent on the Suffolk club being relegated owing to a £30m release clause should Kieran McKenna's side suffer an instant return to the Championship.

‌Viktor Gyokeres - who worked with Amorim at Sporting Lisbon - and Victor Osimhen have also been linked but it is understood the total cost of each deal would present tough obstacles to overcome.

‌A new centre-back is also viewed as a priority for United. Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen - who has a £50m release clause - has been linked but Europe's elite want to sign the youngster.

‌The club would also like to add a versatile attacker to their ranks and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, who has a £62m release clause, is among the options though finances will dictate whether they can sign players in addition to a striker and centre back.

‌It is likely United will look to offset their summer spending with a number of sales. The futures of Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are all uncertain, though qualifying for the Champions League through winning the Europa League would ease financial pressure.

You can read more from Sami by signing up to the Football Extra Newsletter here

Manchester United are monitoring the availability of 26-year-old Southampton and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, amid concerns over Andre Onana's form. (Sun), external

United have at least four potential goalkeeper targets in mind, including 22-year-old Brighton and Netherlands shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen. (i paper - subscription required), external

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, 22, will turn down a move to Old Trafford this summer. (Star), external

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tom Heaton and defender Jonny Evans are both set to leave the club this summer when their contracts expire. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Alex Turk
Fan writer

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Sunday's latest humiliation against Newcastle United confirmed what we all know anyway. This Manchester United is officially the club's worst in Premier League history.

It also reinforced another glaring issue. Ruben Amorim will likely have to dedicate a chunk of a limited summer transfer budget on a new goalkeeper.

With Andre Onana taken out of the limelight in the wake of his Lyon nightmare, it was Altay Bayindir's big chance to stake a claim on his Premier League debut.

But the sound of Newcastle fans mocking the Turkish stopper as he took his goal kicks late in the day served as a damning indicator of how that debut went.

Without piling onto Bayindir any more, let's just say the shouts to give him a run as United's number one for the rest of the season are now far more quiet.

Neither of Amorim's goalkeepers are up to standard, and that's a real issue. He will need to spend money to ensure this team is not historically bad for a third consecutive season.

A striker, a number 10 and a central midfielder make up the minimum requirements on Amorim's shortlist. How does a goalkeeper fit into the budget?

Now 29, Onana arrived in 2023 with the hope that he would be at the foundation of United's team for years to come.

His decision to aim fire at Nemanja Matic before producing two clangers to cost his team and prove the ex-Red Devils midfielder right was, for many, the end of the line.

It is almost impossible to imagine a reality where United restore former glories with a goalkeeper that fans, players nor coaches do not trust.

So, despite the mounting problems Amorim must address if he wants to turn turmoil into triumph, his summer rebuild may have to start between the sticks.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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The present is looking dreadful for Manchester United but the future looks even bleaker.

‌While the media was obsessed with the Andre Onana situation, sorting who is between the sticks is among the least of their problems. Oddly I thought the United players worked hard enough and gave what they had but that is worrying because that leaves only two possibilities. First, they were unlucky, but you don't get that unlucky for an entire season.

‌The second is more worrying and more likely, they simply aren't good enough as individuals or a group to be competitive in the Premier League.

‌If they have to stick with this squad, adding only minor tweaks here and there, United fans will suffer at least another season of this abject torpor and they know it. Ruben Amorim has switched and changed every player possible within his system, trying Altay Bayindir in goal instead of Onana was just a last throw of a dice that seems loaded against him. The team he is looking for isn't in there.

‌His revulsion against any system other than his beloved 3-4-2-1 however, is beginning to look dogmatic to the level of daftness. Amorim is not the first manager to inherit a damaged and uncoordinated squad at Old Trafford, but it looks like he might have the toughest job of all since Sir Alex Ferguson left the building.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

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There is a lot riding on European success for Manchester United this season financially.

Following a disappointing domestic campaign, United will need to win the Europa League to secure a place in next season's Champions League. Qualifying for Europe's elite competition would not only be a silver-lining in a poor season, but it would also bring in much-needed money this summer.

Reflecting on their financial situation, Athletic journalist Adam Crafton said: "It's not impossible they finish 17th in the Premier League. You look at the table now, they're three points above Wolves and if they get to the semi-finals of the Europa League they're probably going to drop more points in the Premier League because they'll be building up for these big games in Europe as well.

"Even between 17th in the table and 13th - there's an £11m difference in terms of the merit payments you get for finishing in those positions. That's probably the savings that United were going to make from the latest wave of redundancies, so that would be swept away straight away.

"It's going to come down to what they do in Europe this season. If they get back in the Champions League, for sure they'll get money to spend. But if not, they're going to have to sell to buy in a really significant way and that's why people keep mocking when United players leave the club on loan and do well.

"But actually someone like Antony doing well at Real Betis or Marcus Rashford doing a little bit better at Aston Villa, that's exactly what they need to happen because they're going to need to cash in on some of these players."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Crystal Palace are interested in a move for 27-year-old Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, following his impressive loan spell at Aston Villa. (Sun), external

Manchester United are unlikely to sell 29-year-old goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer, unless they can make a profit on their £47m outlay for the Cameroonian. (NBC Sports), external

However, the Red Devils have slashed their asking price for 20-year-old Argentina forward Alejandro Garnacho, from more than £50m to less than £40m, to try to facilitate a sale. (Tutto Mercato Web - in Italian), external

Manchester United are interested in signing Ajax youngster Abdellah Ouazane, after the 16-year-old midfielder impressed for Morocco at the Under-17s Africa Cup of Nations. (Daily Mail), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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As Manchester United head into a season-defining game against Lyon in their Europa League quarter-final second leg, there are still question marks around who will be starting in goal for Ruben Amorim's side.

Andre Onana was left out of Manchester United's travelling squad for Sunday's 4-1 defeat at Newcastle United, with Altay Bayindir handed his first Premier League start since joining the club in September 2023.

But, with their quarter-final tie evenly poised at 2-2 after the first leg, former Premier League defender Sebastien Bassong thinks Onana will return for the clash.

"I think Andre Onana will start," Bassong told BBC World Football. "I think he's going to back into the side. I think he just needed some time out to refresh his mind.

"There was so much noise around him so I think it was the right time for him to be rested. I thought it was a good call.

"I didn't see it as him being 'dropped'. From an internal perspective, I think they will have been talking to each other and it was a common decision.

"People like to use the word 'dropped' but that has negative connotations for me. I think they are both adult professionals who will have come to an agreement that he would be left out but would come straight back in.

"I don't see that as a punishment, I see it as situation management. If he had been 'dropped', he would have been on the bench.

"When you are 'dropped', you get put on the bench because someone replaces you. When you go from the starting XI to being out of the squad, surely there has been a discussion.

"So I don't think the word 'dropped' is accurate."

United will be looking to progress to the Europa League semi-finals to keep their hopes of winning a trophy this season, and securing European football for next season, alive.

Listen to the full conversation on BBC World Football here

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Jean-Claude Blanc has had his role as Manchester United director 'terminated', according to Companies House.

According to the official filing, the move took place on 31 March and United are yet to comment on the matter.

The former Juventus and Paris St Germain official was appointed to the United board last year following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's part purchase of the club.

Vastly experienced in European football circles, Blanc represented United at European Clubs' Association and Premier League meetings.

However, at last month's Premier League shareholders meeting chief executive Omar Berrada was accompanied by United's chief financial officer and long-time Ineos stalwart Roger Bell.

It was Blanc who told a staff meeting in July about the first round of 250 job cuts at United.

He remains chief executive of Ineos and will continue to represent United internationally, including in relations with Uefa and Fifa.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana trained on Monday as Ruben Amorim's side begin their build-up to Thursday's crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg with French club Lyon.

Onana was pictured driving into United's Carrington training complex a day after being left out of the Premier League defeat at Newcastle.

The Cameroon international was on a different schedule to those who played in the game.

Amorim refused to say who would be in goal on Thursday when he spoke to the media following the 4-1 loss at St James' Park.

However, the belief of those close to Onana is that the former Inter Milan player will be recalled.

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Manchester United's squad is going to need "major surgery" if they are to compete for European places next season, says former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin.

After a 4-1 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday, United find themselves languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table.

With just six wins in 21 Premier League games, boss Ruben Amorim has struggled to bring the upturn in form many hoped he would since taking over from Erik ten Hag in October.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Nevin said: "It is hard to argue against it [being the worst United squad]. Funnily enough, I thought they worked quite hard for most of the first half yesterday, they just weren't good enough, simple as that.

"Man for man, they were nowhere near good enough. There will be a number of changes next season with players, the ageing ones will leave, but even some of the younger ones being brought in just don't look good enough.

"It is a bit like a Frankenstein squad – it's been brought together by a huge number of different managers over a huge amount of time and the thought of going to completely rebuild that and rejig that – because that group of players is not going to be enough to be a Champions League or even top six or seven team next season – it needs major surgery.

"But, major surgery these days costs a lot of money, particularly in football and I'm not sure how they can do it."

Listen back on BBC Sounds

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Manchester United fan Matt Massey says it's been a painful season for the club and believes the team showed "apathy" in Sunday's defeat to Newcastle.

Speaking on 5 Live Breakfast about the club's season, Matt said: "I can't wait for the end of it.

"It's painful at the minute to sit through, Newcastle were good and didn't have to get out of second gear. There was a 20 minute period at the start where we did okay and were in the game but all of their chance came from individual errors.

"I thought Amorim's subs were a bit strange - he took Garnacho off who I thought was our best player, Mainoo should've started the game and we lost Zirkzee which is a massive loss.

"I'm not his biggest fan but compared to the mannequin that is Hojlund he's been quite good recently, and probably our best player against Lyon - I've been critical of him but the last two games he's been a lot better, especially when you contrast him to Hojlund.

"The game didn't mean much to United, we're probably going to finish fourth from bottom - which is shocking to say, but the reality is we don't have anything to play for, and there's probably a bit of apathy in that team.

"Our big game is on Thursday [against Lyon] so hopefully we can get a result there."

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We asked for your views on Newcastle's Premier League win over Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans

Bill: An absolutely fantastic performance again from Newcastle. A great way to pay tribute to Eddie Howe, get well soon. Anthony Gordon has a battle on his hands to get back in ahead of Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali looks better by the game, he is some player.

Paul: When a quality team play as a team, which Newcastle did, against quality players who don't play as a team, like Manchester United, the outcome is inevitable. Only sorry that Harvey didn't get his hat-trick.

Stephen: If we sell Isak, so be it. We must, however, keep Tonali next season. A truly world-class footballer.

Man Utd fans

John: Dear oh dear. Architects of their own downfall. Too many basic mistakes. Players losing their footing in the first half. Again in the second. Trying to play out from the back when Newcastle were on a high press. Overplaying in their own defensive third. Terrible! Credit to Newcastle for doing the basics right and taking advantage of the mistakes.

Yusuf: That was an absolutely horrid performance from United. Despite the goal, we completely fell asleep and we allowed Newcastle to run all over us. It was such a disappointing match and something very hard to forget. Amorim has to make some changes fast before this can possibly become the end of his United journey. Not happy at all.

Usman: Something that is expected in all honesty! Just another underlining performance to show this season has been drab from the start and will be so until the end of the season. Amorim desperately needs the transfer window to come to get the players he needs in and the dead weight out of the club.

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Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said Manchester United are "a million miles away" from a title challenge as Sunday's loss to Newcastle - their 14th in the Premier League this season - left them languishing in 14th place in the table.

United also lost 14 league games last season and last suffered more defeats in a top-flight campaign in 1989-90.

"They are a million miles away from mounting a Premier League challenge," told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "Maybe four or five years away so that shows just how bad they are.

"Their recruitment has been nowhere near good enough and Amorim might want to bring in his players in the summer but they also need to get rid of a lot. But no players want to leave the football club because they have brought players in on big money.

"Amorim has come in and he has wanted to change so much. He's started by playing his formation and style of play, but then says he hasn't got the players to do it. They would have been better off with Erik ten Hag - and that is saying something!

"Amorim comes out to the media - and speaks ever so well - but Manchester United fans don't want to hear him talking about how they are not good enough. He has been brought into the club to deliver and it feels like the mentality at the club is all wrong at the moment."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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Sir Alex Ferguson had 810 games as Manchester United manager and only 114 of those ended in defeat. Since he's left, United have 115 defeats in 450 games.

That means United have had more defeats now than when Ferguson was at the club for over 20 years.

The current boss, Ruben Amorim, has experienced some low days since taking charge in October and Sunday's trip to St James' Park was just another strike on the tally board.

Two wins in their past nine top-flight games means they will finish the campaign with their lowest points total in the Premier League era.

United captain Bruno Fernandes said "it's easy to criticise because this club has never suffered like this," while Amorim said: "If you look at our position in the table, it says it all."

So now what?

"I am still so amazed by how easy it is for Ruben Amorim to say a few things and people praise him for being honest and say he is great," said former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "I thought Manchester United were built around winning? That was their culture and it made the club so great.

"But now I am getting bored because still to this day, I don't see any progression what so ever. I can't say I see light at the end of the tunnel.

"Amorim brought in Patrick Dorgu - has he come in and made an impact? No. Then there is the changing of centre-backs in games. I don't understand what Amorim is trying to do and I think he is getting away with so much because these results just aren't good enough."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds