United View: Onana departs as derby looms

With the majority of European leagues closing their transfer windows last week, it seemed there would be no more action as far as Manchester United were concerned. 

But there was to be a twist in the tale, with Turkish side Trabzonspor making a late swoop for out of favour goalkeeper Andre Onana. 

The Cameroonian has joined the seven-time Turkish champions on a season long loan, having fallen down the pecking order at United following two sub-par seasons. 

Having already lost his number one spot to last season’s deputy Altay Bayindir - who hasn’t covered himself in glory either - it was difficult to see a way back for Onana, especially after the arrival of young Belgian stopper Senne Lammens on deadline day. 

It will be interesting to see which goalkeeper Ruben Amorim opts for going forward, with reports initially suggesting Lammens was signed to provide competition for Onana, as well as cover for when the Cameroonian goes off for AFCON. 

With Onana now out the door, Lammens’ chances of taking over as number one have significantly increased, with only Altay Bayindir now standing in his way. 

Bayindir has started all three Premier League games for the Reds this season, and it’s fair to say he hasn’t exactly grabbed this chance with both hands, so it seems only a matter of time before the Belgian takes his place. 

But with the small matter of the Manchester derby coming up this Sunday, could throwing the 23-year-old in at the Etihad be a step too far? 

This is a question Ruben Amorim and his staff will have to consider over the coming days. 

Elsewhere there are question marks over the fitness of both Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, who have started all three Premier League games this season. 

This could potentially open the door for summer signing Benjamin Šeško to make his full debut for the club, following a handful of substitute appearances. 

The 22-year-old played a full 90 in both of Slovenia’s recent World Cup Qualifiers, as he builds towards full fitness following a disrupted pre-season. 

Should both Cunha and Mount be absent, this could also increase the chances of Kobbie Mainoo landing his first league start of the season, following limited opportunities. 

Bruno Fernandes would likely move further up the pitch to occupy one of the number 10 spots, allowing Mainoo to slot in next to Casemiro. 

United will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s result at the Etihad, as they pulled off a shock 2-1 win during a dire run of form. 

A victory could reignite United’s season, and it would also be the first time United have recorded back-to-back league wins in the Ruben Amorim era. 

In other news, Manchester United’s Women have made the perfect start to their 2025/26 campaign, with a 4-0 thrashing of Leicester. 

Mark Skinner’s side’s attention now turns to the UEFA Women’s Champions League, as they look to reach the group phase for the first time in the club’s existence. 

United take on Norwegian side Brann tonight in the first leg of their Third Qualifying Round tie, as they look to create their own piece of history.