Top liability! Onana determined to return to Manchester United this summer to enjoy a salary increase, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may need to subsidize to offload him.

André Onana could return to Manchester United this summer! Sources told ESPN that Onana will pose a major problem for the club, especially as Erik ten Hag's team is on track to return to the Champions League, the 29-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper's wages will significantly rise.

Onana was loaned to Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor in September for one season. His performance in Turkey remains inconsistent, and Trabzonspor has no obligation to buy him. The club's executives stated that Manchester United priced him at €40 million, and they will opt to "return" him.

It is said that Trabzonspor loaned Onana because there was no loan fee, and because Manchester United missed European competition this season, Onana's salary was reduced by 25%. Due to special tax rates in the Turkish Super Lig, Onana's wages actually increased after joining the Turkish club, so he agreed to the move.

But now, with Erik ten Hag's team ranked third in the Premier League, Manchester United's qualification for next season's Champions League is almost certain. Consequently, Onana's wages will revert to the highest level. The British Daily Mirror reported specific figures: without Champions League, Onana's weekly wage was £120,000, but upon returning to the Champions League, his weekly wage will soar to £170,000!

Sources told ESPN that Manchester United fears that Onana's increased wages will make it even harder to generate transfer interest from other clubs this summer. If the Red Devils want to negotiate a transfer for Onana, whether permanent or another loan, the club may need to cover part of his salary. Moreover, another loan deal is more likely.

Onana's contract with Manchester United has two years remaining. He joined Manchester United from Inter Milan in 2023 for €50 million (£47 million), with then-manager Erik ten Hag insisting the club sign him on a five-year deal. This means Manchester United would need a sale of around €20 million to avoid a book loss, a price almost impossible for any buyer.

Insiders close to Onana told ESPN that he prefers to rejoin Manchester United, participate in the summer preseason training, and compete for a starting spot. Onana's agent is expected to meet with the club before the end of May to discuss future plans.

Manchester United's stance is clear: the club is satisfied with Sena Ramens, signed for £18 million, who will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper. It is foreseeable that whether Erik ten Hag stays or another manager takes over, Ramens will be favored over reinstating Onana, unless his mentor Erik ten Hag returns!

Onana's high income also means he cannot be considered as a backup goalkeeper option, as that would create the odd scenario where the second-choice goalkeeper earns far more than the starter, since Ramens's weekly wage is only £60,000. This summer, Manchester United may sign a new backup goalkeeper to replace current Turkish international Altay Bayindir, who is believed to have agreed to a €5 million transfer back to Turkey to join Beşiktaş. Bayindir informed Manchester United of his desire to transfer back in January, but the club refused at that time to avoid weakening the squad.

Manchester United's third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton is 39 years old. He signed a one-year extension last summer, with his contract expiring in June. Heaton now functions essentially as a goalkeeping coach, and given the team currently has only Craig Mawson as a goalkeeping coach, Heaton may maintain his current role or retire to become a coach.