Man Utd fans all name the same goalkeeper they want to replace Andre Onana after Lyon howler

In a night filled with frustration and disbelief, Manchester United fans were left shaking their heads as goalkeeper Andre Onana committed two costly mistakes in their Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, but it wasn’t the result that dominated headlines—it was Onana’s performance, or lack thereof, and the calls for his replacement that followed. As fans poured onto social media in the aftermath of the match, a familiar name began to echo across platforms: David De Gea. For many, the Spanish shot-stopper, who left the club in 2023 after 12 years of service, now seems like the answer to United’s ongoing goalkeeper dilemma

The first leg of the Europa League quarter-final saw United travel to the Groupama Stadium to face a resurgent Lyon side. The game began with promise, but it quickly descended into a showcase of defensive fragility—led primarily by the man between the sticks.

Lyon opened the scoring through Thiago Almada in the 17th minute after a routine in-swinging free-kick was poorly anticipated by Onana. The Cameroonian goalkeeper misjudged the trajectory and positioning, allowing the ball to slip past him with minimal resistance. Though United equalized through Leny Yoro on the stroke of half-time, the damage had already been done psychologically. The uncertainty at the back seemed to seep into the rest of the squad, and Lyon’s attacking players looked energized by Onana’s vulnerability.

As the match drew to a close, it appeared United might steal the win when substitute Joshua Zirkzee put them ahead in the 88th minute. But any hopes of a morale-boosting away victory were dashed when Onana parried a stoppage-time effort straight into the path of Rayan Cherki, who converted calmly to level the tie at 2-2. It wasn’t just a disappointing draw—it was a self-inflicted wound that left fans and pundits furious.

Former Manchester United midfielder and club legend Paul Scholes didn’t mince words during the halftime broadcast on TNT Sports. “He’s probably wishing he kept his mouth shut before the game,” Scholes said, referencing Onana’s controversial comments in the lead-up to the match. “The keeper—I’m not sure what he’s trying to do, to be honest. It’s an awful mistake from him.”

Scholes was referring not only to the on-field error but to a verbal spat between Onana and former United midfielder Nemanja Matic. In a pre-match press conference, Onana claimed that Manchester United were a better team than Lyon, dismissing the French side’s threat. Matic, who now plays for Lyon, took issue with the comment and fired back in what has since become a viral soundbite. “If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history, you need to be careful about what you say,” Matic said. “If it was De Gea, Schmeichel, or van der Sar—fine. But Onana needs to prove himself before talking like that. We’ll see on the pitch.”

By the 30-minute mark, Matic’s words had aged like fine wine. In the hours after the final whistle, “De Gea” began trending on X (formerly Twitter). Thousands of Manchester United fans took to social media to express their frustration, calling for the return of the Spanish veteran.

“Getting rid of De Gea for Onana was the biggest mistake we ever made as a club. We can’t keep pretending,” said another. Another fan pointed out the irony: “United got rid of De Gea because he couldn’t play with his feet, only to bring in a keeper who can’t pass and can’t save shots

The consensus was clear: While De Gea had his flaws, he was a proven shot-stopper. Onana, signed for his ball-playing ability, has struggled to live up to expectations in both areas. The narrative that he would revolutionize United’s build-up play has all but collapsed under the weight of recurring mistakes.

Onana’s short time at Manchester United has been plagued with high-profile errors. As of April 2025, he has the highest number of mistakes leading directly to goals among Premier League goalkeepers since his arrival. Meanwhile, De Gea, currently a free agent after a short-lived stint in Saudi Arabia, has maintained a dignified silence. But whispers of a potential return have begun to swirl.

When manager Erik ten Hag decided to replace De Gea with Onana in the summer of 2023, many saw it as a bold move. Onana had worked with Ten Hag at Ajax and was seen as a modern goalkeeper—quick off his line, composed under pressure, and excellent with his distribution. But while the idea sounded good in theory, the reality has been far from the blueprint. Onana’s high-risk approach has frequently backfired, and his confidence appears to have eroded over time

“If the gaffer doesn’t act now, he risks losing the dressing room,” a fan wrote in a now-viral Reddit post. “You can’t have a goalkeeper making weekly mistakes and expect the players to keep their belief.The second leg against Lyon looms, and pressure is mounting. A 2-2 draw away from home is not a terrible result on paper, but the manner in which it came about has left a bitter taste. United now must win at Old Trafford to secure a semi-final place.

Speculation is growing that backup goalkeeper Altay Bayındır could be given the nod in the return leg. Though the Turkish international has had limited opportunities, some fans believe a change is necessary—even if only to send a message. Meanwhile, the calls to re-sign De Gea may be loud, but the practicalities of such a move remain unclear. Would the 34-year-old be willing to return to a club that let him go unceremoniously? Would he fit into Ten Hag’s system, even now

The Onana saga is just one chapter in a wider story of instability and transition at Manchester United. From ownership uncertainty to inconsistent performances on the pitch, the club has struggled to regain its identity in the post-Ferguson era. Goalkeeping, once a position of consistency and strength thanks to legends like Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar, has become symbolic of the club’s deeper issues—poor recruitment, reactive management, and a lack of clear long-term planning

For Onana, the coming weeks may determine his Manchester United fate. Redemption is still possible—football can be forgiving—but the clock is ticking. Another high-profile blunder, and even the manager’s loyalty may not be enough to shield him from the consequences.