RUBEN AMORIM has taken keeper Andre Onana out of the firing line for Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle today.
The Cameroon international stayed back in the North West as the squad travelled to Tyneside on Saturday evening.
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His axing comes after SunSport exclusively revealed some team-mates wanted him AXED after Thursday’s Europa League blunders against Lyon.
But he’s been told by the manager he is being rested and will be back in the team for the return leg against the French giants next Thursday.
And Onana – who endured a nightmare in the first leg in France last week – is believed to be in agreement with the decision.
It means Turkish understudy Altay Bayindir is likely to make his Prem debut in the game at St James’ Park.
Amorim has decided to give Onana, 29, a couple of days to clear his head after a difficult week.
He was involved in a war of words with former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic in the build-up to the Europa League tie.
The Serb took exception to Onana’s claim that United are better than Lyon – and called him “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history”.
With all eyes on him in the Groupama Stadium, Onana made two blunders to gift Paulo Fonseca’s team a draw and keep them very much in the tie.
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They were the latest in a long line of mistakes by the former Inter goalkeeper during his two years in England.
It has not been easy for him off the pitch either. His wife, Melanie, was the victim of a violent street robbery in Alderley Edge recently.
That left the family needing 24-hour protection at their Cheshire home – but he continued to play despite the ordeal.
Bayindir only returned to the United squad for the trip to Nottingham Forest 12 days ago after missing nine matches through injury.
His previous seven appearances have all come in cup competitions so this will be his first taste of league action for United.
Amorim is expected to shake up his goalkeeping options this summer – with Bayindir possibly sold to make way for a new arrival.
Veteran No3 Tom Heaton is also out of contract but may be offered a coaching role in recognition of his long association to the club.
Newcastle will be without manager Eddie Howe for the visit of United.
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Howe was hospitalised late on Friday “having felt unwell for a number of days.”
A Newcastle statement read: “The Magpies’ head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days.
“Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing.
“He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care.
“Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course.”
