Andre Onana started in a Champions League final in June 2023, but 25 months later he might struggle to start against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park. Nobody can deny that football is a funny game. Onana was omitted from Manchester United's squad for the opening Premier League game against Arsenal after returning from injury with just three training sessions under his belt. That felt like enough training sessions for Onana to be involved, but Amorim decided to leave him out. Onana returned to the squad to face Fulham at Craven Cottage, but was named on the bench. Altay Bayindir was at fault against Arsenal but kept his place in between the sticks. Fulham targeted United from corners and fans needed to swallow Gaviscon tablets when deliveries were sent into the box. Bayindir is like a deer in the headlights at set-pieces. The Turkey international does have a presence in the box and even Onana commands his penalty area with more aggression. Onana is essentially the lesser of two evils. He has committed several goalkeeper errors during his time at United, but he is a better goalkeeper than Bayindir and must start against Grimsby on Wednesday night. However, Amorim sent a message in London last weekend and it remains to be seen whether Onana will be recalled, as starting Bayindir at Fulham suggests he is now preferred. Onana picked up a hamstring injury almost immediately after reporting for pre-season and Bayindir started every summer friendly except one, but that doesn't explain Amorim's decision. Last season is more likely to be the explanation. Onana made high-profile mistakes against Nottingham Forest, Viktoria Plzen and Lyon, and he clashed with Nemanja Matic on the eve of facing the French side in the Europa League quarter-final first leg. The season confirmed that Onana needs to be replaced for long-term success, but Bayindir is not the answer. Despite uncertainty and United progressing to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, the Manchester Evening News understands that Onana is adamant about staying at United. Sources say Onana “will 100% stay” at Old Trafford, despite the possibility of Lammens coming in, although external sources have suggested Onana’s position is not as certain ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday. We will learn more about where Onana stands with Amorim at Blundell Park. If the Cameroon international is not recalled, it seems his time at Old Trafford will be over. United are entering the Carabao Cup second round due to their failure to qualify for Europe last season. That is why a fixture at Grimsby awaits and it would be sobering for Onana if he did not start. Grimsby are in League Two and United are heavy favourites to progress to the next round. The chances of Onana leaving before the deadline will increase tenfold if he does not start.