Andre Onana Under Fire But Links to Saudi Arabia Unfounded | OneFootball

He was already in the headlines before kick-off. By the final whistle, the knives were fully out for Andre Onana.

Manchester United’s often mercurial goalkeeper, Andre Onana, endured another error-strewn performance in the 2-2 Europa League draw against Lyon, with both goals a direct result of his own misjudgements. But before a ball had even been kicked, the real drama was unfolding at the microphone.

Nemanja Matic, once of Manchester United fame, labelled Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history”. It was a pointed jab after Onana had labelled Lyon as a much more inferior side to Manchester United. But it did more than stir up headlines, it ignited a week of scrutiny that extended well beyond the pitch.

Saudi Speculation: Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing?

Let’s be clear from the outset: there’s nothing concrete linking Andre Onana to Saudi Arabia at the moment. The rumours, for now, appear to be a concoction of European media chatter rather than any serious contact from Saudi clubs.

The link to Saudi Arabia is lazy, with none of the PIF funded clubs in need of a goalkeeper. NEOM SC, the newly formed project backed by Saudi megafunds could be of interest. But the idea of Onana trading the Premier League, and a potential European redemption arc, for a project not yet competing in the AFC Champions League, yet alone the Saudi Pro League stretches credibility. I doubt the majority of the journalists reporting it even know about Saudi Division 1 leaders NEOM who replaced Al-Suqoor two years ago. NEOM SC will have massive funding going forward, once promoted they will be used to push forward Saudi’s 2030 project for NEOM, a super city built in a hyper futuristic line in the sand.

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It’s worth noting that Yassine Bounou, who’s endured his own dip in form at Al Hilal, still retains the backing of his club despite recent poor performances. That alone lessens any urgency from Saudi suitors.

But lazy reporting is nothing new when it comes to Saudi links. The moment a player is out of form or falls out of favour, they’re conveniently “off to the Gulf”. It’s become football’s version of sending the family dog to “a farm up north”.

The Fallout from Matic’s Mic Drop

The real story, however, is how much Nemanja Matic’s pre-match comments rattled Onana, and whether his words were intended to wound.

“You need to have cover to say something like that,” Matic said, in response to Onana’s earlier claim that United were “way better” than Lyon. The implication was brutal: Onana hasn’t earned the right to talk with authority, let alone arrogance. His performances for Man United have been terrible.

And then, almost as if scripted, the Cameroonian goalkeeper fluffed his lines. A tame free kick not cleared that led to Lyon’s opener. A poor command of his area that gifted the second with the Cameroonian once again pushing a shot in front of him with the opposition scoring an easy rebounded. The match ended 2-2, but Onana walked off looking like he’d been defeated twice over, once on the pitch, once in the press. Man United should have never drawn that game, they were much better than Lyon, but the weak link was Andre Onana.

DECINES-CHARPIEU, FRANCE – APRIL 10: Rayan Cherki of Olympique Lyonnais scores his team’s second goal past Andre Onana of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester United at OL Stadium on April 10, 2025 in Decines-Charpieu, France. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

His social media post that evening tried to claw back dignity, emphasising respect and reiterating pride in his trophy haul. “Some can’t say the same,” he added, in what felt like a thinly veiled dig back at Matic. But the damage had been done.

Mistakes Mounting, Pressure Rising

Manager Ruben Amorim has tried to shield him. “I’ve made more mistakes than them,” he told reporters, attempting to shoulder blame and ease the burden on his under-fire No.1.

But actions speak louder than words, and Onana being dropped for the Newcastle match that followed says plenty.

What’s Really Going on Behind the Scenes?

People forget that footballers are human. As psychologist Dr Simon Moore explains, the brain is wired to focus on threat, risk, and mistakes, especially when a player’s ego and reputation are on the line.

“Even if you try to park it, it bugs you,” he said of Matic’s comments. “Players think, ‘I’m going to prove them wrong’, but that puts even more pressure on themselves.”

And yet, not every expert believes the Matic mind games are the smoking gun. Sports psychologist Matt Shaw makes the case that coincidence is being confused with causation. “You might look at other times this season where no comments were made and he had poor performances,” he said.

But even if the words weren’t directly to blame, they undoubtedly shaped the narrative, and piled on the pressure.

So, What Next for Onana?

Short-term, it’s about rehabilitation, both psychological and tactical. He’s got another crack at Lyon in the second leg. And in the meantime, United’s backroom staff will be working hard to restore confidence.

“You bombard him with clips of the good stuff,” says Moore. “Remind him what makes him elite.”

That means going back to basics in training: reflex saves, close-range handling, commanding the six-yard box. It means conversations, not confrontations. A reminder that you’re only ever one clean sheet away from a different headline.

United fans will hope he doesn’t retreat into himself. Because when Onana is confident, he brings something few keepers can, fast distribution, bravery on the ball, and a commanding presence that lifts the line of engagement. But when he’s nervy, you feel it all the way up the pitch. United fans have not seen the confident version of Onana in a long time, and the majority would be happy if he was to leave this summer.

Staying Put… For Now

As for the Saudi talk, it’s exactly that: talk. There is currently no legitimate move on the table, and it would take something extraordinary, likely Champions League-level involvement and a huge financial package, to tempt Onana to a league that’s still building its credibility, even with the influx of big names.

The reality? He’s staying at United for now. Because for all the criticism, he’s still the club’s first-choice keeper. And if he can come through this storm, he might just come out stronger for it.

As the second leg against Lyon looms, that’s the story worth watching. Not gossip from Riyadh, but redemption in Manchester.