The Red Devils Legend Urges Patience as ‘Video Game’ Transfer Calls Mount

It’s been another chaotic season for Manchester United — and when chaos reigns at Old Trafford, the blame game tends to be as fast-paced and aggressive as a Champions League night in the Stretford End. As the dust settles on what has been yet another disappointing campaign for the Red Devils, one player has found himself at the heart of heated debates: goalkeeper Andre Onana.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper, who arrived with high expectations from Inter Milan in 2023, has endured a tough introduction to life in the Premier League. And now, after a second season filled with costly errors and shaky performances, the calls to replace him are getting louder. Social media has erupted with fans demanding a new No.1. Football forums are flooded with stats, clips, and transfer wishlists.

But not everyone is ready to throw Andre Onana under the bus. In fact, United legend Wes Brown has stepped forward with a reality check that all fans need to hear — reminding us that football isn’t a video game where you can simply press a button and ship out a player who’s had a bad run.

Andre Onana’s Rollercoaster Journey So Far

Let’s not forget: Andre Onana was brought in to replace David de Gea, a club legend in his own right. That was never going to be easy. Add a price tag of £48 million and the heavy expectations that come with playing in goal for Manchester United, and you’ve got a cocktail for pressure.

From the outset, Andre Onana’s strengths were clear. He’s confident with the ball at his feet, he offers a modern approach to goalkeeping, and at times, he’s pulled off truly world-class saves. But those positives have often been overshadowed by a series of high-profile mistakes — positioning errors, lapses in judgment, and moments of madness that have cost United dearly.

And with United languishing 16th in the Premier League table and missing out on European football altogether for the 2025-26 season after a painful Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, it’s no surprise that fingers are being pointed.

“It’s Not Like a Video Game” – Wes Brown Speaks Out

Former United defender Wes Brown knows a thing or two about what it takes to survive in the Old Trafford pressure cooker. In a recent interview with bestbettingsites.co.uk, he tackled the Andre Onana situation head-on — and his words were as grounded as they were honest.

“Yeah, I think you have to [stick with Andre Onana],” Brown said. “Listen, he’s made some mistakes this season and you don’t want that from a goalkeeper. But at the same time, I feel sometimes the pressure has been immense. Maybe he’s not handled it the best way, but he still comes back, the manager still puts him in.”

That, right there, is crucial. Andre Onana hasn’t been dropped. Despite the criticism, Erik ten Hag (or potentially his successor) has kept faith. That tells you something. Whether it’s tactical, psychological, or simply a case of limited options, United’s coaching staff still believe in him.

Brown continues: “You can’t just sell somebody like that anyway. These players cost a lot of money. Fans need to understand — it’s not like a video game where you press one button and the player is sold. There’s a lot of factors.”

Why Selling Andre Onana Isn’t So Simple

Let’s break this down. Andre Onana is under contract until the summer of 2028. He’s 29 — still in his goalkeeping prime. United paid a hefty fee to bring him in from Inter Milan. Unless another club is willing to take on that financial burden, finding a buyer won’t be easy.

And even if they could sell him, who would replace him? Top-tier goalkeepers don’t come cheap, and the best ones are already tied down to long-term deals. Add to that United’s current lack of Champions League football and their shaky project vision, and suddenly it’s not such an attractive destination for elite talent.

Patience, or Stubbornness?

There’s a thin line between backing your player and refusing to acknowledge a problem. Brown, for his part, seems to be walking that line carefully.

“You hope he steps up,” he says. “Because if he does, then all this talk goes out the window. It’s as simple as that.”

But hope isn’t a strategy — and United fans know it. Still, Brown makes a compelling case for sticking with Andre Onana for at least one more season. “You’ve got to give the lads some support. If they have had some bad games, you need to let them see that they’re still good enough. Otherwise, it only gets worse.”

The Bigger Picture: United’s Wider Issues

To be fair to Andre Onana, he’s not the only one underperforming. United have struggled across the pitch this season. The defense has been inconsistent, the midfield often looks disjointed, and the attack has been hit-and-miss. Injuries haven’t helped, and questions continue to surround the manager’s tactical approach.

Brown doesn’t shy away from that fact either: “At times, they’ve not been good enough. You can see it all over the pitch sometimes, and the standard needs to raise a little bit.”

And maybe that’s the core of the issue. United’s problems go far beyond the goalkeeper. While Andre Onana hasn’t lived up to expectations, he’s also a symptom of a broader structural issue at the club.

What’s Next for Andre Onana and Manchester United?

With the summer transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on Old Trafford. Rumors suggest that under new leadership, almost every player is up for sale. Ruben Amorim — if indeed he becomes the next man in charge — will have some big decisions to make.

But unless a surprise bid comes in and a suitable replacement is lined up, all signs point to Andre Onana staying. And maybe that’s not the worst outcome.

“Trust going forward,” Brown urges. “He’s going to give more. He’s going to get better and be more consistent. He’s a great shot-stopper at times. He’s let in some silly goals — I think everyone admits that — but I think you need to give him the chance.”

Final Whistle: Give the Man a Break?

So, are Manchester United stuck with Andre Onana? In some ways, yes. But maybe the word “stuck” isn’t fair. Maybe they’re invested. Maybe what Andre Onana needs — and what United need — is stability. A chance to rebuild. A platform to prove themselves.

Because football isn’t a video game. You can’t just rage-quit and start a new season. Not if you’re serious about building something real.

And maybe, just maybe, next season is when Andre Onana turns the jeers into cheers.