West Ham’s Bold Move: Borrowing Manchester United’s Worst Keeper Ever

Footem.in – West Ham United is reportedly in talks to acquire Andre Onana from Manchester United on loan after Graham Potter’s disappointing start in the Premier League this season.

Poor Start to the Season for West Ham

Graham Potter’s side has lost both of the opening matches in the Premier League and was eliminated from the Carabao Cup after a defeat by Wolverhampton, despite leading until the 80th minute. Following the match, Potter acknowledged the difficult situation faced by his team.

“We are all suffering, so we need everyone’s support as we move forward to the next game. This team is hurting, and we all feel it,” Potter stated.

A major issue for West Ham has been their goalkeeper position. The new goalkeeper, Mads Hermansen, who was brought in over the summer, has conceded eight goals in just two matches.

Statistically, he faced an expected goals (xG) count of only 6.78. This suggests he has let in over one goal that a typical goalkeeper would usually save. His weakness in handling set pieces has further exacerbated the situation.

Onana as a Loan Option

Given these circumstances, West Ham is exploring drastic measures, including the possibility of loaning Andre Onana from Manchester United. The Cameroonian goalkeeper missed preseason due to a hamstring injury, and upon recovery, coach Ruben Amorim has preferred Altay Bayindir as his starting keeper, despite Bayindir also being at fault for a 1-0 loss to Arsenal.

The situation for Onana has become more complicated as United is considering signing goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. According to Graeme Bailey’s report via United in Focus, transfer intermediaries have actively engaged with several clubs, with West Ham confirmed as a potential destination.

Few Options for Potter

West Ham has also lost veteran goalkeeper Łukasz Fabianski, whose contract was not renewed last summer. Currently, they only have Wes Foderingham and Alphonse Areola as alternatives. However, Areola’s performance in the Carabao Cup against Wolves was disappointing, as he conceded three goals from a 1.95 xG chance.

While acquiring a goalkeeper from Manchester United may seem prestigious, Onana’s reputation could pose a challenge. Nemanja Matic has previously called him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history,” and Ruben Amorim has shown his doubts.

If West Ham does decide to sign Onana, it could be viewed as a desperate move early in the season. Their initial performances suggest that the club’s issues extend beyond just the goalkeeper position and are more complex overall.