The battle for the gloves at Old Trafford is about to get very interesting. As of Thursday, February 26, 2026, reports from The Guardian and Sports Mole confirm that André Onana is determined to fight for his future at Manchester United once his loan spell at Trabzonspor concludes this May.
Despite being shipped out to Turkey following a difficult period marked by high-profile errors, the 29-year-old Cameroonian international remains confident that he can win back the trust of the coaching staff during the upcoming pre-season.
The Current Hierarchy: The Rise of Senne Lammens
Onana faces a massive mountain to climb. In his absence, 23-year-old Belgian Senne Lammens has emerged as a revelation under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Carrick’s Verdict: Following United’s 1–0 win over Everton on Monday, Michael Carrick praised Lammens for his "steeliness," noting that he "takes the chaos away" rather than creating it—a subtle nod to the instability that plagued the defense during Onana’s tenure.
The Road Ahead: Pre-Season or Permanent Exit?
While Onana is eyeing a "clean slate," the club’s hierarchy may have other plans.
The Loan Term: Onana’s deal with Trabzonspor reportedly does not include an option to buy, meaning he is legally required to return to Carrington in July.
The Managerial Factor: With a new permanent manager expected to be appointed this summer, Onana believes a fresh start under new leadership will allow him to rediscover the form that saw him reach the Champions League final with Inter Milan.
The "Hit" on Investment: United paid roughly £47 million for Onana in 2023. While some reports suggest the club is ready to "take a hit" and sell him permanently to fund new signings, Onana himself is not ready to close the door on his Premier League career.
The Verdict: Onana’s self-belief has never been in question, but his "chaos" factor vs. Lammens’ "calm" factor is the defining debate at United right now. If Onana returns, pre-season will be a high-stakes shootout for the jersey.