sportskeeda
RUBEN AMORIM has made the decision to give goalkeeper Andre Onana a break during Manchester United’s away game against Newcastle today.
The Cameroon international stayed in the North West region while the squad traveled to Tyneside on Saturday evening.
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His omission comes after exclusive reports from SunSport indicated that certain teammates favored having him DROPPED following his Europa League blunders against Lyon.
However, Onana was informed by the manager that this is merely a rest and he will be back for the return leg against the French team on next Thursday.
Onana – who had a difficult outing in the first leg in France last week – reportedly agrees with this decision.
Consequently, Turkish backup Altay Bayindir is expected to make his Premier League debut at St James’ Park.
Amorim has chosen to grant Onana, 29, some time to recover after a demanding week.
He was involved in a verbal exchange with former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic prior to the Europa League match.
The Serb responded to Onana’s claim that United are better than Lyon by criticizing him as ‘one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history’.
With significant attention focused on him at the Groupama Stadium, Onana made two blunders that allowed Paulo Fonseca’s side to draw and stay competitive in the tie.
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These errors mark just the latest in a series of missteps by the former Inter goalkeeper during his two years in England.
Off the field, he has faced challenges as well. His wife, Melanie, was a victim of a violent street robbery in Alderley Edge recently.
Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spat
This incident required 24-hour protection for their family at their Cheshire home, yet he continued to play despite the emotional strain.
Bayindir just returned to the United squad for the match against Nottingham Forest two weeks ago following a nine-match injury hiatus.
This will mark his first league match for United; his previous seven appearances were all in cup competitions.
Amorim is expected to overhaul his goalkeeping options this summer, with Bayindir possibly sold to accommodate a new arrival.
Veteran No3 Tom Heaton is also set to become a free agent but may be offered a coaching role in recognition of his long-standing commitment to the club.
Newcastle will be without head coach Eddie Howe during the encounter with United.
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Howe was hospitalized late on Friday after “feeling unwell for several days.”
A statement from Newcastle read: “The Magpies’ head coach was admitted to medical care late on Friday evening after experiencing illness for several days.
“Medical staff have kept Eddie overnight for further evaluations, which are still ongoing.
“He is alert and interacting with his family and continues to receive professional medical attention.”
“Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Eddie a swift recovery, and updates will be provided as required.”
