Man Utd face major injury blow for preseason and may need emergency signing

Manchester United have lost André Onana for the preseason after he picked up hamstring injury during training at Carrington this week.

The injury is expected to sideline the 29-year-old for six to eight weeks, putting his participation in United’s pre-season fixtures—and possibly the Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17—in serious doubt.

Onana, who joined United from Inter Milan in 2023, has been a near ever-present in the squad, featuring in 72 of the club’s last 76 Premier League matches.

His absence leaves manager Ruben Amorim with a major decision to make regarding the goalkeeping department as the squad prepares for matches against Leeds United in Sweden, followed by a U.S. tour with games against West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton.

United have Altay Bayindir as their current No. 2, with veteran Tom Heaton also available after signing a contract extension, reported the Manchester Evening News.

Additionally, 21-year-old Radek Vitek has returned from a loan spell at BW Linz and could be in contention for a place on the pre-season tour.

However, Amorim is reportedly considering whether to bring in another goalkeeper before the transfer window closes, with several options under review.

The club’s medical staff will conduct further tests to determine the full extent of Onana’s injury, but there is concern he may not recover in time for the start of the new season.

This development comes at a challenging time for United, who are also contending with other injury issues and a busy transfer window.

Onana’s injury has forced United to reassess their pre-season plans and could prompt a move for a new goalkeeper, as Amorim looks to ensure the squad is adequately prepared for the campaign ahead.

Meanwhile, Paul Parker, speaking to Goal.com said: "I have to say that they do need a new goalkeeper. If they’re going to move forward next season, they need players, fans and everyone to be confident in one of the most important players on the pitch; the goalkeeper.

"Top sides always have a top goalkeeper that they are assured with, and Onana is not that goalkeeper. I can’t see how he’s going to cover up what he did last season, and I just really don’t believe that he can.

"If I don’t believe as someone watching, I worry what the players in the team are thinking. If you don’t believe in your goalkeeper and you’ve got that fear factor, it will cost you."