André Onana Targets Return for Manchester United’s Premier League Opener

André Onana is aiming to return to Manchester United’s starting lineup at the beginning of the 2025–26 Premier League season, as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained during pre-season training.

The Cameroonian goalkeeper missed United’s Summer Series in the United States due to the injury but has resumed training and remains hopeful of being fit for the club’s season opener against Arsenal on August 17.

The hamstring problem is expected to keep him out for five to eight weeks, ruling him out of pre-season matches against West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton. Despite the setback, Onana has remained positive about his progress, stating that he feels good and is working hard to return in time for competitive action.

Manager Ruben Amorim is expected to reinstate Onana as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper once he is fully fit. However, United are also exploring options in the transfer market as a precaution, with reported interest in Senne Lammens, Emiliano Martínez, and Stefan Ortega, should Onana face further setbacks or struggles with form.

Since joining Manchester United from Inter Milan in 2023 for around £47 million, Onana has experienced a mixed spell, producing strong performances but also drawing criticism for high-profile errors, including one in a Europa League match against Lyon which led to a temporary drop from the starting XI.

Backup options Altay Bayındır and Tom Heaton remain available, though neither has firmly established themselves as a long-term solution. If fully fit, Onana is expected to start the new season, but his situation will be closely monitored ahead of United’s Premier League kickoff.