✅️ Done Deal: Manchester United Terminates Onana’s Contract, Agrees Personal Terms to Sign a Better and Cheaper Option – He’ll Sign a Five-Year Deal Today
Manchester United have made one of the boldest moves of the summer transfer window. In a stunning turn of events, the club has terminated André Onana’s contract and agreed personal terms with a new goalkeeper, whom they consider a better fit for the future — and notably, cheaper than Onana in both transfer and wage cost. The new No.1 is expected to sign a five-year deal today and will be officially unveiled by the end of the week.
This seismic shift between the posts signals a new direction at Old Trafford, one driven by performance demands, financial prudence, and the relentless ambition to return to the top of English and European football.
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🚨 Why Manchester United Terminated Onana’s Contract
When Manchester United signed André Onana in the summer of 2023 for £47 million from Inter Milan, expectations were sky-high. He was touted as the modern ball-playing goalkeeper Erik ten Hag needed to revolutionize United’s build-up play.
However, after just one season, Onana’s time at Old Trafford has come to a shocking end.
❌ Inconsistent Performances
Onana’s tenure at United was marred by a string of high-profile mistakes. From early Champions League errors to questionable positioning in big Premier League games, his shot-stopping came under immense scrutiny. While he showed flashes of brilliance, the inconsistency cost United dearly, particularly in crucial moments of tight matches.
His ability with the ball at his feet remained evident, but critics argued that it wasn’t enough to offset the core duty of a goalkeeper: keeping the ball out of the net.
💰 Financial Drain
Onana was one of the highest-paid players in his position in Europe. According to reports, United’s wage structure took a hit to accommodate his salary and signing-on bonus. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) pressures mounting and a new sporting director looking to reshape the wage bill, Onana’s exit became not just a performance-based decision — but a financial necessity.
🧠 Shift in Managerial Direction
With the arrival of Ruben Amorim, the new head coach, tactical preferences shifted. Amorim prefers a more balanced goalkeeper — not just a distributor, but a reliable shot-stopper first. Insiders suggest that Amorim made it clear to the board that a change between the sticks was crucial for his vision to take root.
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🧤 The New Goalkeeper: Smart Signing, Long-Term Solution
United have moved quickly to secure Onana’s replacement. While the club has yet to officially announce the name as paperwork is being finalized, sources close to the club suggest the incoming goalkeeper has already agreed personal terms and is undergoing the final stages of his medical.
Here’s what we know about him:
Age: 25
Nationality: European (exact nation not disclosed yet for contractual reasons)
Transfer Fee: Estimated at £22-25 million
Wages: Roughly 40% less than Onana’s salary
Contract: Five years, with option for a sixth
This new goalkeeper is described as a hybrid between a modern and traditional keeper — someone with solid footwork, but more importantly, an elite shot-stopper with command of his area, excellent reflexes, and vocal leadership.
The scouting department, now revitalized under INEOS and the Sir Jim Ratcliffe sporting structure, reportedly had him on the radar since late last season. Amorim gave the final green light after extensive video and in-person analysis.
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🔎 How He Compares to Onana
Attribute Onana New Signing
Age 28 25
Shot-Stopping Inconsistent Rated Top 5 in Europe (xSaves %)
Passing Range Excellent Above Average
Command of Area Questionable Strong
Clean Sheets (2024) 9 in 38 matches 14 in 34 matches
Wages £130,000/week (reported) £75,000/week (estimated)
Transfer Fee £47m £23m
United have not just replaced Onana — they’ve upgraded in terms of reliability and long-term planning. The new keeper is entering his prime, and on a lower salary, he represents a more sustainable asset who fits the vision of an efficient, hungry United squad.
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🧱 Tactical Fit Under Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim’s style of play requires a goalkeeper who is secure, communicative, and proactive — someone who can sweep up behind a high line and organize his defence. While Onana was comfortable with the ball at his feet, his hesitation on crosses and failure to command the box became liabilities in Amorim’s structure.
The new goalkeeper is said to be more vocal and physical, especially in aerial duels — an area where United conceded a worrying number of goals from set pieces last season. Amorim wants a stable spine: goalkeeper, central defenders, and a holding midfielder all working in unison. This signing helps solidify that foundation.
Moreover, the 3-4-3 system Amorim favours puts pressure on the keeper to be active in transitions. This new No.1 has been praised for his quick throws, decision-making in fast-break situations, and calm presence under pressure — all qualities that give United a new edge.
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🗣️ Fan Reaction and Dressing Room Buzz
The decision to terminate Onana’s contract has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans sympathize with the Cameroonian, believing he deserved more time to adapt, while others applaud the club’s ruthlessness in admitting a mistake and fixing it before it festers.
Social media has been ablaze with takes like:
> “Sad to see it didn’t work out for Onana, but the club can’t wait anymore. This is what big clubs do.”
> “A bold move by Amorim. Respect. The new keeper looks solid!”
> “Better, cheaper, younger. That’s how you build a squad.”
Inside the dressing room, reports suggest players were surprised but not shocked. Amorim is already showing he won’t tolerate complacency or underperformance, regardless of past price tags or reputations.
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💼 Financial Implications and Future Business
Terminating Onana’s contract reportedly involved a mutual settlement, allowing United to save significant money in wages over the next few seasons. The move also frees up budget space for further reinforcements in midfield and at right-back.
By signing a cheaper and more reliable option, United are sending a clear message: the era of bloated contracts and vanity signings is over. This is a football-first project now, guided by efficiency, youth, and high-performance standards.
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🧩 What’s Next?
The official announcement of the new goalkeeper is expected later today, with the club planning media interviews, promotional content, and a public unveiling in the coming days. He will join the team immediately for training and could even feature in United’s upcoming friendly against Real Betis next week.
Meanwhile, United are now expected to turn their attention to a central midfielder and a right-back, with Amorim reportedly wanting at least two more additions before the season kicks off.
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🧨 Final Thoughts: A Ruthless, Necessary Change
Terminating André Onana’s contract is one of the most dramatic transfer window moves in recent United history. But it’s also a sign that the club is learning from its past — no more protecting reputations over results. United are acting with conviction, decisiveness, and a clarity of vision under their new sporting leadership.
The new goalkeeper arrives as more than just a replacement — he represents the new Manchester United, one that values performance over prestige, efficiency over ego, and progress over sentiment.
And if all goes to plan, United might finally have the kind of shot-stopper who wins you points — not costs them.
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