Fabrizio Romano: Why Ruben Amorim allowed £43.8 million ace to leave Manchester United

That is why the club agreed to send the Cameroon international out on loan, giving him the opportunity to play regularly at Trabzonspor and hopefully regain his lost confidence. Fabrizio Romano also reported that another effect of this decision is the immediate promotion of the Belgian shot-stopper. In other words, the 29-year-old’s departure clears the path for Senne Lammens to step in as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper.

“[Loaning out Onana] is a decision made by the board, by the management, but especially by Ruben Amorim. Amorim wanted to clarify the goalkeeper situation.

“Amorim, from what I understand, also thought internally that to have four goalkeepers and a keeper like Onana staying on the bench, being a case (news topic) every single time he’s on the bench… you can imagine that for a manager it’s a problem.

“Every time Onana on the bench, Onana on the bench, Onana is not starting, Onana is on the bench… maybe it could also be a source of pressure for Lammens.

“So everyone at Man Utd agreed on the possibility to send Onana on loan, giving him the chance to start on a regular basis and find his confidence and form again. This decision was approved also by Amorim.”

Romano also added to the almost unanimous suggestions that Lammens will immediately slot in as Man Utd’s starter between the sticks.

“[Onana leaving] means that Senne Lammens will immediately have a big opportunity to compete for the first goalkeeper spot and probably to start as the first goalkeeper of Man Utd.”

Faith in Lammens and United’s new direction:

For Manchester United, this change is about much more than swapping one goalkeeper for another. Onana’s departure and Senne Lammens stepping in as first choice highlight the club’s current mindset. Lammens will now compete directly with Altay Bayındır, who has already looked unconvincing in his first three Premier League appearances and made costly errors. This gives the Belgian an immediate opportunity to prove himself. Interestingly, Lammens was originally brought in as a goalkeeper for the future, but Onana’s exit has accelerated his rise. His journey will be filled with pressure as well as opportunity.

United’s decision stems from several factors. Onana’s inconsistent form and high-profile mistakes at the top level had become a concern. In addition, manager Ruben Amorim wanted to remove any ambiguity in the squad, the presence of a high-profile, 29-year-old former Inter Milan star sitting on the bench every week would only have created unnecessary distractions and undermined the confidence of others. With United out of European competition this season and facing a lighter fixture list, it was also impractical to carry four goalkeepers. Sending Onana to Trabzonspor gives him regular playing time and the chance to rebuild his form and confidence.

For Lammens, this represents both a massive challenge and a golden opportunity. The 23-year-old has openly stated that he wants to be the rock at the back for Manchester United, underlining how seriously he takes the role. Jamie Carragher has also urged the club to put their trust in the young keeper, a sign that there is positive sentiment from outside as well. United fans know the club has a history of making tough decisions, and while Onana’s departure may seem like a short-term setback, Lammens’ emergence could become a long-term gain. This is his chance to make his mark and establish himself as a foundation for United’s future.