Exclusive: Andre Onana Breaks Silence on Man United Return and the One Star Blocking His Path
MANCHESTER — In a bombshell revelation that has rocked the foundations of Old Trafford, Andre Onana has finally addressed the swirling rumors regarding his future. Currently on loan at Trabzonspor after a tumultuous period in England, the Cameroonian shot-stopper has delivered a definitive ultimatum to the Manchester United hierarchy.
While interim manager Michael Carrick is reportedly keen to bring the 29-year-old back into the fold to stabilize a shaky defensive line, Onana has made it clear: he won’t step foot back in the Theatre of Dreams if one specific player remains on the payroll.
The Carrick Connection: A Desperate Plea?
Since taking the reins as interim boss, Michael Carrick has prioritized “reliability and trust” in his goalkeeping department. Sources close to the club suggest Carrick views Onana’s ball-playing ability as the missing ingredient for his tactical setup.
> “Michael Carrick really wants me to return to Old Trafford and takeover my number 1 position,” Onana admitted in an exclusive sit-down. “We have spoken, and the respect is mutual. He knows what I can bring to the table.”
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However, the path to a reunion is anything but smooth. Despite Carrick’s reported desire to reinstall Onana as the club’s “Number 1,” the goalkeeper is standing his ground over a dressing room rift that has seemingly become irreparable.
The Ultimatum: “He Goes, or I Stay”
The headline-grabbing quote that has United fans buzzing centers on an unnamed teammate—though speculation is pointing heavily toward a high-profile member of the current squad.
“I can assure you that if this particular player doesn’t leave, there’s no way I will return,” Onana stated firmly. “A team needs a specific environment to succeed. If that energy is blocked by someone who doesn’t share the same vision or respect for the shirt, it’s impossible for me to do my job.”
While Onana stopped short of naming the player directly, insiders suggest the friction stems from the fallout of the Ruben Amorim era, where dressing room cliques were rumored to have undermined Onana’s confidence before his departure to Turkey.
The Lammens Factor
Complicating matters further is the meteoric rise of Senne Lammens. The young Belgian, signed for £18m, has become a fan favorite at Old Trafford, recently putting in a Man-of-the-Match performance against Everton.
| Statistic (2025/26) | Andre Onana (Trabzonspor) | Senne Lammens (Man Utd) |
|—|—|—|
| Clean Sheets | 4 | 5 |
| Appearances | 20 | 21 |
| Status | On Loan | Current Number 1 |
Carrick’s public praise for Lammens—calling him “reliable and unassuming”—contrasts with the “chaos” often associated with Onana’s previous tenure. If Onana returns, he expects to be the undisputed starter, a demand that may clash with Lammens’ current form.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
The ball is now firmly in the court of Dan Ashworth and the United recruitment team. They face a daunting choice:
* Back Carrick and Onana by offloading the “toxic” player in question.
* Stick with Lammens and finalize a permanent exit for Onana this summer.
As the 2026 summer transfer window approaches, the power struggle at Carrington is just beginning. One thing is certain: Andre Onana isn’t coming back for a backup role, and he isn’t coming back to a divided locker room.
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