Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana has reportedly been dropped for the Red Devils’ upcoming Premier League game following his latest errors in net.
Onana found himself at fault for the two goals conceded by Man United in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon this week, making it a total of eight errors leading to goals in all competitions this season – the most of any Premier League goalkeeper.
What made the most recent mistakes even more unfortunate was a pre-game spat with former United midfielder Nemanja Matić, who not only dubbed him the “worst” keeper in their modern history but didn’t even need to come off the bench to get the last laugh, as the 29-year-old gifted Lyon a point.
Following the unforced errors which saw him concede the opener and a last-minute equaliser against the Ligue 1 side, Onana looks to have been dropped for this weekend’s game against Newcastle United.
🚨 Andre Onana left out of Man Utd squad for trip to Newcastle. 29yo Cameroon goalkeeper not in group that travelled north after tough period on/off pitch + among those rested/rotated. Altay Bayindir deputises; unclear who #MUFC start v Lyon @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/YVXsFsXHYR
As per multiple outlets, the Cameroonian goalkeeper is supposedly being ‘rested’ for the match and has not travelled as part of the squad, with journalist Chris Wheeler reporting that manager Ruben Amorim wants him to “clear his head”.
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Amorim was keen to offer some protection for his go-to shot-stopper, arguing that he has made “more mistakes” than Onana during his time at the club, reassuring that he remains “really confident” in his abilities in the post-match interviews immediately after the European disappointment on Thursday night.
Wheeler also went on to note that the former Ajax number one has been struggling with issues off the pitch also, as it was reported that his family recently suffered a violent robbery and have subsequently needed 24-hour security protection.
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That being said, Onana’s omission from the matchday squad means that second keeper Altay Bayindir, who has made just six appearances for United (two of which were clean sheets), will make his Premier League debut against Newcastle.
It’ll be interesting to see whether he rises to the challenge, especially given the reverse fixture, which saw a 2-0 defeat against the North East side at Old Trafford late last year.
He put in quite the performance in the FA Cup against Arsenal.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe won’t be in the dugout for the face-off, which could give the Reds a slight advantage; alternatively, it could have an entirely adverse effect as the home side will no doubt look to show solidarity.
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It’s also worth mentioning that United’s last goal at St James’ Park came back in December 2021, when Edinson Cavani was the scorer.
Do you think he deserves a run as the first-choice goalkeeper, or should it be a case of seeing how he fares against Newcastle before making a decision? Better yet, it is thought he is still in contention for the second leg against Lyon, but who would you go with?
Manchester Storm’s record-breaking return to AO Arena goes down a storm with fans
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Storm have made their grand return to the AO Arena, after more than two decades away from their former home.
And it appears the ice hockey craze (which may have been spurred on by a certain Heated Rivalry) is here to stay, with record-breaking numbers piling into the venue for Sunday’s match against Sheffield Steelers.
The AO Arena has now shared that a record crowd of 11,000 fans attended the long-awaited Manchester Storm homecoming last week.
The action has gone down a storm with fans, with plenty of chatter on social media (and videos of a certain fight) doing the rounds.
Manchester Storm’s homecoming has now smashed the record for an Elite Hockey pre-season fixture, with fans travelling from across Manchester and beyond.
As the team enters this new era, bidding farewell to the ‘Storm Shelter’ in Altrincham that’s been their home for a decade, demand for tickets is continuing to grow.
This is the first time fans have been able to see the club on the ice at the AO Arena since 2004, and last weekend they thrilled supporters with a 5-5 draw agains the Steelers.
Manchester Storm is now set to bring approximately 35 games to the city centre each year, providing a regular programme of major sporting events for Manchester and its visitors.
It also brings elite-level hockey back to one of Europe’s largest indoor sporting arenas.
Gemma Vaughan, General Manager at the AO Arena says, “Tonight is a hugely significant moment for Manchester.
“To welcome Manchester Storm back to their former home after more than 20 years, and to do so in front of a record Elite Hockey League crowd, is incredibly special.
“The response from supporters has demonstrated the strength of Manchester’s passion for ice hockey and the demand for world-class sport in the city. We’re proud to be able to provide a home for the Storm as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it
Emily Sergeant
Erling Haaland has answered the all-important question.
The question heard around the world, the question on everyone’s lips, a question that has absolutely nothing to do with football whatsoever… that’s right, he’s answered Letterboxd’s famous question of ‘what are your four favourite films?’.
If you’re unaware of what Letterboxd is, it describes itself as being an ‘online diary platform and app for film lovers’ and it gives users the chance to display their four favourite films at the top of their profile for all to see (and judge).
An extension of this has then been Letterboxd asking celebrities in press junket interviews and on red carpets what their ‘four faves’ are – and it’s gone on to become something of a phenomenon in the film world.
Everyone from massive A-list movie stars, to indie darlings and up-and-coming names have answered this question before, and now (it appears) to be Erling Haaland’s turn.
He’s not the first footballer to be tasked with question though, as the entire Spurs team was ambushed with it by former player – and famously massive cinephile – Alfie Whiteman last year, but it’s fair to say that after the summer he’s had with Norway at the World Cup, achieving international fame in the process, that Haaland is one of the most high-profile to answer it in a long while.
So, what’s on Erling’s list then?
Well, to self-confessed ‘film bros’ out there, you’re not going to find any deep cuts in this selection unfortunately, and you’re probably not going to get any recommendations for movies you haven’t seen before either, but come on, he is only a footballer after all.
Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it / Credit: Letterboxd
First up for the Manchester City striker is a pretty common pick by straight white men, it’s The Wolf of Wall Street, and he doesn’t give much of a reason for it, other than just suggesting: “I think you understand why”.
He then follows that up with Ridley Scott’s classic Gladiator, calling it ‘amazing’, before naming 2004’s epic Troy, and then rounding it out with a Christmas favourite for many, Home Alone, adding that he ‘watched it a lot as a kid, and then again now’.
As for fan reaction to Haaland’s four favourites, let’s just say it’s been mixed.
Among the 1,000+ comments on the Instagram video, you’ll find just as many people called him ‘king’ and saying he has ‘goated’ taste, as you will comments like this: “He has the most male gazed top four in history of Letterboxd.”