Manchester United have suffered a major injury blow in the first days of pre-season training that could force them to sign a replacement this summer.
Adre Onana is expected to be sidelined for between four and six weeks after suffering a hamstring tear in just his second day of training since returning from his summer break.
That timeline will see him ruled out of the entire pre-season campaign which includes a trip to the United States for games in New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton respectively.
Onana could also miss United’s opening games of the new Premier League season with Ruben Amorim’s side underway at home to Arsenal on 17 August followed by a trip to Fulham a week later.
The Cameroon international is still expected to travel with the squad to receive treatment in the US.
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United have Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton in reserve but Onana’s absence could accelerate plans to sign a new goalkeeper.
Finding a replacement for Onana was already discussed this summer prior to his injury with Monaco showing interest, only to walk after United demanded £30m.
Reports in Brazil claim a bid has already been made for Botafogo’s John Victor while Emiliano Martinez has been strongly linked with the Argentina international set to leave Aston Villa.
United have endured rotten luck with injuries during preseason in recent years. In 2023, both Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo picked up knocks that sidelined them for a number of months.
Last year, Rasmus Hojlund picked up a hamstring injury in the US that delayed his start to the season, while Leny Yoro suffered a fractured metatarsal in just his second appearance following his £52m arrival from Lille.
United have so far added Matheus Cunha to the first-team squad with the Brazil international taking the n10 shirt which was taken from Marcus Rashford.
The club have seen two bids rejected by Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo but United still hope to wrap up a deal in time for him to travel to the US with Amorim’s squad.
United’s first-preseason game takes place next week against Leeds United in Stockholm.