“In football anything can happen” - Inter chief makes interesting claim on Andre Onana return amid Manchester United struggles
Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta hasn't closed the door on Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana potentially returning to the Serie A giants in the future.
Onana left Inter for United in the summer, joining the Red Devils for £47.2 million (€55 million). The Cameroonian shot-stopper enjoyed a superb season with the Nerazzurri before opting to head to Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old joined Inter as a free agent in the summer of 2022. He made 41 appearances across competitions, keeping 19 clean sheets in the 2022-23 campaign. The former Ajax goalkeeper helped Simone Inzaghi's side win the Coppa Italia and reach the UEFA Champions League final.
Marotta hasn't ruled out Onana making a shock return to the San Siro. He said (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):
"I can’t predict the future but in football anything can happen. For sure it was a great chapter for Onana and for us. It was also successful deal to sign him for free and sell for that money."
The Cameroon international has struggled since joining Manchester United, looking a shell of the shot-stopper who earned a Ballon d'Or nomination at Inter. He's kept three clean sheets in 11 games across competitions, conceding 19 goals.
Erik ten Hag could reportedly axe Onana if he continues to underperform for Manchester United
According to ESPN, Ten Hag is willing to wield the axe on United's No.1 if his poor form continues. The Red Devils goalkeeper has made some very bad errors, including a blunder in a 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.
Many expected him to transform Ten Hag's side due to his ball-playing abilities. However, his shot-stopping has been an issue and his Dutch coach could soon lose patience with the Cameroonian.
The former Inter goalkeeper is tasked with replacing David de Gea who was a massive success with United. His poor start to the season has raised doubts that he is the long-term answer to the Spaniard.
Ten Hag is willing to support Onana for now but if he doesn't show improvement he may turn to Turkish shot-stopper Altay Bayindir. The 25-year-old arrived at Manchester United from Fenerbahce in the summer for £4.3 million.
Bayindir impressed in the Turkish Super Lig last season, keeping 14 clean sheets in 40 games across competitions. Additionally he has also earned six caps for Turkey, keeping one clean sheet.