Gary Neville gives Andre Onana view as Man Utd star Garnacho faces probe

27 October 2023 , 03:00

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Things are looking up at Manchester United on the pitch, but Erik ten Hag's side still have plenty of distractions off it.

Andre Onana was United's hero on Tuesday night, saving a last-minute penalty from FC Copenhagen's Jordan Larsson to help his team pick up their first three points in the Champions League. It was a third straight victory in all competitions, but Manchester City will provide a different kind of test when they travel across town on Sunday.

Before Sunday's derby, Erik ten Hag's men have to contend with a number of headlines unrelated to their on-field exploits. Here are the latest news lines from around Old Trafford.

Garnacho faces FA probe

Manchester United starlet Alejandro Garnacho runs the risk of disciplinary action following a social media post about team-mate Andre Onana. In celebrating the Cameroon keeper's achievements in the midweek victory over FC Copenhagen, the Argentina international used two gorilla emojis.

Garnacho, who came on as a substitute in the win, has since deleted the post in question. The youngster could yet fall foul of FA rules on racially sensitive material, though, with the governing body requesting the player's own observations on the content.

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The controversy follows an incident involving Edinson Cavani, a former team-mate of Garnacho's at Old Trafford. The Uruguay international was hit with an FA charge and £100,000 fine over a post in which he referred to a friend with the epithet 'Negrito' in 2020.

De Gea breaks silence

David de Gea made a cryptic social media post amid growing links with a Manchester United return for the goalkeeper. De Gea, a title-winner with United in 2013, left at the end of last season when his contract expired.

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David de Gea is still without a club (Getty Images)

The 32-year-old was linked with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid over the summer, but those clubs turned to other targets. He remains a free agent, with reports suggesting United could yet welcome him back to the club.

De Gea's post, consisting solely of a thinking emoji, has prompted plenty of speculation from fans. And with first-choice keeper Onana away on Africa Cup of Nations duty in the new year, United may well be in the market for reinforcements.

Neville's Onana assessment

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville remains unconvinced by Andre Onana. The ex-England international, who played in front of the likes of Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar, suggested Onana has won him over "for now" when quizzed in a Twitter Q&A.

Neville added a shrugging emoji to his assessment of the new number one. Onana impressed in midweek with his penalty save, but has also been guilty of some costly mistakes since joining United from Internazionale.

Despite some nervy moments, Onana has remained first choice. Backup keeper Altay Bayindir, signed over the summer, is still waiting for his United debut.