Why Man Utd could 'rule out' selling struggling Andre Onana despite string of errors as goalkeeper's poor form raises transfer question - explained

Onana was left out of United's squad for their 4-1 defeat to Newcastle after two high-profile errors against Lyon in the Europa League in midweek. Now, though, The Athletic's David Ornstein has explained that concerns over Profit and Sustainability Rules could see the Cameroon international stay put, with his wages also proving prohibitive.

United paid more than £47 million ($62m) to sign Onana from Inter and Ornstein believes that the only way the club can sanction his sale is if they receive a profit, otherwise his exit will be marked as a PSR loss.

“It does raise questions about the future of Onana,” he explained to NBC Sports. “He joined for £47.2 million in the summer of 2023, signing a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. Unless somebody came in with huge money for him, the hopes of United selling him for a profit are almost non-existent, and that would mean a PSR profitability and sustainability loss, which could rule out the possibility of selling him.

“He has switched agents in recent months. That was meant for a new contract or improved terms. He may now have to look at trying to shift his player, and this would not have been expected for Manchester United.”

Onana has a deal until 2028 but his United team-mates are reportedly "p*ssed off" with his performances, suggesting he may well have to move on eventually. However, United could be forced to simply relegate him to the bench if no suitors come forward.

United play Lyon in their Europa League quarter-final second leg on Thursday. After Onana's double-error in the first leg, the tie is poised at 2-2.