Man Utd Legend Delivers Brutal Verdict on Andre Onana's Shocking Exit Drama
Ex-Manchester United centre-back and well-known analyst Rio Ferdinand expressed strong approval for the club's upcoming separation from André Onana, describing it as yet another instance of eliminating the "toxic elements" within the squad.
Onana is close to securing a season-long loan move to Trabzonspor. While there appears to be no option for a permanent transfer included, the Turkish club is reportedly taking on his full wages—and may even pay him nearly double what he would receive at United through various incentive clauses.
This transfer would represent the most recent departure of an unwanted player during a summer exodus at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim established a clear "outcasts group" going into the transfer window and has successfully orchestrated permanent transfers for Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, while Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were both loaned out.
Rasmus Højlund was similarly moved to Napoli on a temporary basis that is anticipated to become a permanent arrangement. The monetary benefits of this mass departure remain questionable—substantial losses have been incurred on several of these transactions—but Ferdinand insisted that the mental effect on the remaining squad members will be vital.
"I believe Omar [Berrada], who oversees the football operations at the club, has made it clear that they won't tolerate players lingering around who don't deserve to be at the football club anymore," Ferdinand stated on his podcast this week.
"They won't accommodate players who are either not talented enough, haven't delivered adequate performances, or simply aren't the right characters for the football club. He refuses to have them around like toxic influences. I believe we've endured this situation at the football club for far too long.
"We've been compelled to retain players due to poor financial decisions that the club has made regarding player contracts, and we've had to keep them here, tolerate them, and endure the presence of some of these individuals."
United also strengthened their attacking options with £200 million ($270.9 million) invested in new forwards, though Ferdinand was more impressed with the club's departures.
"I believe this represents progress in the correct direction," the former defender enthused. "While I'm pleased with the incoming players and the difference they bring in terms of velocity, energy, pace, and scoring ability, I'm equally satisfied, perhaps more so, with how they've moved out players that the club determined weren't suitable to remain.
"That aspect has been equally important, if not more crucial, than the new signings because I think it delivers an excellent message and a firm statement to the current players: you won't be staying here if you're not what we require.
"That's how it should operate at every club. If you're not suitable for the football club, you need to leave. That's why I feel so strongly about it when a player desires to depart, he should be able to push for it and say, 'I believe it should function both ways.'"