Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana joined Trabzonspor in September after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Manchester United loanee Andre Onana’s form since moving to Trabzonspor in September has been described as “outstanding”.
Onana was allowed to leave Old Trafford in the summer after Senne Lammens arrived at Old Trafford. After defeat to Fenerbahce on his Trabzonspor debut, Onana has not lost since.
His side are currently on a four-game winning run which has lifted them to second in the table ahead of Saturday’s trip to league leaders Galatasaray. Ahead of that match, MEN Sport spoke to Trabzonspor sports reporter Hasan Tuncel to discuss Onana’s time at the Turkish club so far.
“In one word: outstanding,” Tuncel said when asked how Onana had fared in his early months at the club. “Onana’s debut came in the match against Fenerbahce. Trabzonspor lost 1–0, but the story of that game was far deeper than the scoreline.
“A Trabzonspor goal was controversially disallowed, creating real tension on the pitch. During that chaos, Onana’s leadership stood out – he calmed his teammates, used his experience, and pulled off some remarkable saves.
“From that moment on, not just the fans in Turkey but everyone watching internationally saw that he is still a top-level goalkeeper. He has maintained the same standard in the following matches.
“His performance against Kayserispor was phenomenal – he practically saved every shot on target. In the match against Eyupspor, his two crucial saves were instrumental in keeping Trabzonspor’s title hopes alive.
“So far, he’s been flawless. Beyond his goalkeeping, he’s become a leader in the dressing room.
“He personally mentors three young goalkeepers — Onuralp Cevikkan, Ahmet Dogan Yildirim, and Erolcan Colak — guiding them during and after training sessions. This mentorship has earned him great respect within the club.”
Tuncel admitted the reaction to Onana’s arrival within the Trabzonspor fanbase was one of caution. Onana represented a significant investment for the club and his woes at United had been well-documented in Turkey.
However, the welcome he received upon his arrival was on a different scale to high-profile signings of the past. “In Trabzonspor’s culture, big-name signings are usually welcomed with great passion – but Onana’s arrival was something beyond the usual,” he explained.
“We’ve seen large crowds at the airport before for players like Daniel Sturridge or John Obi Mikel, yet Onana’s reception had a different atmosphere. Because he arrived with his family, the club decided to organize a more personalized and emotional welcome.
“Fans interacted with him directly, telling him: ‘Don’t worry, we’re with you all the way.’ That moment, combined with Onana’s smile, created a very symbolic image.
“Players who come with their families usually adapt much faster – and that’s a crucial factor in professional football. Onana taking this process seriously and settling in with his family was seen as a very positive sign by both the club and its supporters.”
There is a sense that Onana has found the right environment to thrive but the chances of him signing permanently look to be slim. “The club is extremely happy with his performances, but given the transfer fee Manchester United paid for him, a permanent deal looks financially difficult at the moment,” Tuncel admitted.
“However, if Onana continues at this level and United lower their asking price, I have no doubt Trabzonspor would be interested in making a formal move.
“For now, the focus is on having Onana mentor the club’s young goalkeepers and help them grow. But if conditions become favourable, Trabzonspor would definitely love to keep him permanently.”
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2025-10-31 09:23:06
