Amorim Confirms Onana as Starter Against Lyon; Zirkzee Ruled Out for the Season

Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim has addressed the media ahead of their Europa League Quarter-Final showdown with Lyon.

Old Trafford is set to host the Ligue 1 outfit in what promises to be a challenging encounter for both teams. The aggregate winners of this tie will meet either Rangers or Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals scheduled for early May. Amorim confirmed that striker Joshua Zirkee will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury.

“Joshua is out for the season. He won’t be playing again this year. We need to focus on getting him ready for next season. It’s tough for any player to be forced to stop, but that’s the reality of football. Recovery is crucial for him,” he remarked.

Amorim also announced that goalkeeper Andre Onana will be back in the squad after missing the recent match against Newcastle United, amid ongoing speculation regarding his future at the club.

“Onana is set to play tomorrow,” the manager stated.

“As a former coach and player, I strive to take actions that can support a player in a difficult situation. While we discuss physical management, we also need to consider their mental state. This week, I’ve decided that Onana will start.”

“I aim to be transparent in my decisions and evaluations. Andre is prepared to return and to kick off this match.”

“We need to enhance every position”

The Portuguese manager was later asked about the significance of securing a Champions League spot and the potential impact on their budget if they fail to qualify once more.

“Securing a Champions League place ensures a stronger budget for assembling a different team next season. That’s something we’ll need to assess moving forward,” he commented.

“It’s all about the budget as we plan for the next season. The Champions League alters everything. Competing at that level means facing top teams midweek and on weekends, which is an ideal situation. But it’s paramount that we have the best squad in place for our plans.”

The upcoming summer transfer window is expected to be particularly hectic for United, as they are likely to offload several players deemed surplus to requirements. Amorim emphasised the need for enhancement across the entire first team:

“Every position on the pitch needs improvement; the goalkeeper position is no exception. If our team can convert more chances and our forwards perform better, our defence will consequently improve. There are seasons where teams underperform, and we will thoroughly evaluate every position in our squad.”

Onana merits his place

In conclusion, Amorim reiterated his support for Onana, asserting that the keeper deserves to start against Lyon despite his earlier blunders in the first leg.

“When I made the decision last week, I spoke with Andre, and it’s important for me to communicate my thought process,” said Amorim. “I consult with my coaching staff, but ultimately, the decision rests with me. I believe Andre has earned his place back in the starting line-up.”