Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made a bold decision for the upcoming match against Newcastle United—leaving Andre Onana out of the squad.
The decision comes after a series of poor performances, most notably in a midweek 2-2 draw with Lyon in the Europa League.
Onana’s recent mistakes have not only drawn criticism from fans but also sparked a public disagreement with Nemanja Matic.
Onana’s Struggles Lead to Managerial Shake-Up
In the draw with Lyon, Onana made two critical errors that directly led to goals, which further intensified the scrutiny on his form.
Matic, former Manchester United midfielder now at Lyon, didn’t hold back, describing Onana as one of the worst shot-stoppers in the club’s history.
With Onana’s recent form under the microscope, Amorim felt it was time to make a change.
He’s opted for Altay Bayindir to step in for his first Premier League start of the season.
This change isn’t just about form, though—Amorim explained that the decision also factors in mental and physical recovery.
Amorim Explains His Decision to Drop Onana
Speaking to Sky Sports, Amorim clarified why he made the decision to bench Onana for the game against Newcastle.
“Sometimes players need a break, not just physically but mentally,” Amorim explained. “It’s a normal part of football management.
Sometimes you need to push the player to perform, other times, you let them disconnect for a bit to recharge.”
Amorim reassured Onana that the decision wasn’t personal, saying he took the time to explain his reasoning to the goalkeeper.
“You don’t always have to like it, but when you understand the situation, you can move forward,” Amorim added.
The manager emphasized that it was a short-term decision, and Onana would be back in training to prepare for the next challenge.
Amorim Focuses on Mental Aspect of Player Management
For Amorim, managing a player’s mental state is just as important as their physical fitness.
“The mental aspect is really, really important,” he said, acknowledging that the pressures of professional football can take a toll on players.
“It’s only for one game, and I believe Altay deserves the opportunity to play.”
Amorim’s decision is a balancing act between ensuring Onana’s recovery and giving Bayindir a chance to prove himself at the highest level.
Changes to Manchester United Lineup Against Newcastle
Along with Onana’s absence, Amorim has made other changes to the squad for the Newcastle match.
One of the most exciting moves is the inclusion of 18-year-old full-back Harry Amass, who is set to make his full Premier League debut.
Amass has impressed since joining Manchester United from Watford in 2023, and after making his league debut as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Leicester last month, he’s now earned a starting role.
He’s shown great potential with the Under-18 and Under-21 teams, and his integration into the first team under Erik ten Hag has been a testament to his development.
A New Chapter for Amass and United’s Youth Movement
Amass’s inclusion is a nod to United’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Having trained regularly with the first team, Amass’s progression has been carefully managed, and now, with Amorim at the helm, he’s set to take another step forward in his Manchester United career.
As Amorim looks to build a competitive team capable of securing a crucial win against Newcastle, these changes are part of his strategy to maintain fresh legs and focus across the squad.