André Onana has agreed to join Trabzonspor following the signing of Senne Lammens

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed a deal between Manchester United and Trabzonspor for starting goalkeeper André Onana.

Despite rumours of a move to the Turkish side circling for the past few weeks, Onana looked likely to stay and fight for his position in the squad. A position he has retained for much of the past two seasons.

However, this term has unfolded differently. With the signing of Senne Lammens and under the new managerial regime of Ruben Amorim, Onana’s chances were diminished.

Altay Bayındır has taken over as the preferred starter, and Onana has appeared just once so far this season in the embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town, in which he was heavily criticised for one goal.

Onana’s early-season status as a genuine contender for the No.1 spot has evaporated, largely due to the arrival of strong competition. The Turkish loan offer now presents a clear path for him to secure much-needed playing time, something that seems increasingly unlikely at United given his recent form and the club’s shifting hierarchy.

Fabrizio Romano, lauded for his accurate transfer news on social media, has posted that all contracts are said to be signed by Onana, and that the move is on track to be completed by next week.

Manchester United have faced heavy criticism over the past few seasons, largely due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting strategies, which many supporters believe have contributed to the club’s fall from grace.

The Onana move has become another lightning rod in that debate. Fans have been divided on social media, with some insisting United are offloading too many players too quickly, leaving the squad short of experience and depth. Others, however, have welcomed his exit, pointing to high wages, a string of costly mistakes and the chance for the club to reset in a key position.

For some, Onana’s departure feels like part of a wider clear-out that symbolises Ratcliffe’s attempt to streamline operations at Old Trafford. For others, it is seen simply as overdue relief from a failed signing who never lived up to expectations.