Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has shed light on the decision to leave Andre Onana out of the squad for the highly anticipated match against Arsenal at Old Trafford. The move, which came as a surprise to many fans, was reportedly influenced by the standout performances of the team’s back-up goalkeepers during pre-season.
Pre-Season Performances Determine Selection
Andre Onana, who recently recovered from a pre-season injury, was unable to feature in any of United’s five pre-season friendlies. Despite being fit and back in training, his omission was not related to his physical condition but rather a tactical decision by Amorim based on pre-season form. Speaking to MUTV, the Portuguese head coach said, No, he recovered. But the other guys [Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton] did so well during pre-season, so I need to balance that.
Altay Bayindir was given the starting role for the Arsenal game, with veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton on the bench. Amorim’s decision highlights his willingness to reward players based on merit and recent form rather than relying solely on reputation.
What About Rasmus Hojlund?
Another notable absentee from the matchday squad was Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish strikers exclusion coincides with speculation about his departure due to the arrival of Slovenia international Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. However, Amorim suggested that team selections are fluid, stating, Its an option. We try to choose the best players for each game, so next week its a different life and in this week we chose this.
Fan Engagement Opportunities
Manchester United supporters eager for more insights and coverage can engage with the Manchester Evening News through multiple platforms:
- Join the free WhatsApp group for breaking news and expert analysis sent directly to your phone by clicking here.
- Subscribe to the free newsletter service to stay updated on the biggest stories of the day. Sign up here.
- Tune in to the Manchester is Red podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Enjoy in-depth discussions featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate.
Stay tuned for further updates as Manchester United prepares for their upcoming fixtures, including next weeks clash against Fulham.
