Andre Onana Ruled Out Of Man United’s Tour, Four Clubs Qualify For 2029 Club World Cup
Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has suffered a hamstring injury during training and will miss the club’s upcoming U.S. pre-season tour.
Andre Onana will still travel with the squad to America for the three-match Premier League Summer Series, but won’t feature in any of the games. Instead, the 29-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper will focus on rehabilitation ahead of the new season.
A club source quoted by the BBC, confirmed, “He’s responded well to initial treatment and there’s no long-term concern, but the staff are taking a cautious approach. He’ll be in the U.S. with the team but won’t play.”
With Onana sidelined, Altay Bayındır, 27, is expected to take the gloves during the tour. The Turkish international had previously seen his United future thrown into doubt after being overlooked for the Europa League final in favour of Onana, despite the latter’s inconsistent form.
The injury has reignited debate over United’s depth in the goalkeeping department. Though manager Ruben Amorim has publicly backed Onana since arriving at Old Trafford, the setback may force United to reconsider their transfer strategy.
At the close of last season, there was already speculation that the club might dip back into the market for a more consistent option between the sticks. Now, with pre-season looming, the pressure is growing.
Despite the uncertainty, Amorim remains steadfast. “I trust Onana,” he said before training resumed. “He made mistakes, yes, but he’s also capable of the extraordinary. He’ll remain first-choice.”
Veteran shot-stopper Tom Heaton, 39, who just signed a new one-year deal, offers a wealth of experience, but his role is expected to remain peripheral.
Beyond that, United’s alternatives are largely untested. Radek Vitek, the 21-year-old Czech youth international, showed promise on loan in Austria, but lacks senior minutes.
Meanwhile, Hubert Graczyk, Elyh Harrison (19), and Dermot Mee (22) are yet to feature for the senior side, though they were named on the bench toward the end of last season.
United kick off their pre-season campaign with a clash against old rivals Leeds United in Stockholm on 19 July, before flying stateside for matches against West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton between 27 July and 3 August. They will wrap up their summer with a home fixture against Fiorentina on 9 August at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils then open their Premier League season with a blockbuster tie against Arsenal at the Emirates on 17 August.
Four Teams Already Seal Spots for 2029 FIFA Club World Cup
While the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is yet to be concluded, four clubs have already booked their tickets to the 2029 edition of the global tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain, Cruz Azul, Pyramids FC, and Al-Ahli are the first teams confirmed for the 2029 tournament, as FIFA continues to maintain its new 32-team, quadrennial format.
PSG earned their spot after beating Inter Milan 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League final.
From North America, Cruz Azul of Mexico booked their place by winning the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, while Egypt’s Pyramids FC secured qualification through their first CAF Champions League triumph.
Rounding out the early qualifiers is Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli, who lifted the AFC Champions League Elite title last season.
Meanwhile, attention now turns to the final of the 2025 Club World Cup, with Chelsea set to face PSG at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Confirmed 2029 Club World Cup teams so far:
Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Cruz Azul (Mexico)
Pyramids FC (Egypt)
Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
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