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?
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
13th April 2025 
