Forget Marcus Rashford, surprise Man United summer sale has turned playmaker for new club

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As Marcus Rashford gets off to an electric start at Barcelona, another Manchester United summer sale has begun life at his new club with an early assist.

Ruben Amorim oversaw an exodus this summer as he attempts to build a squad capable of returning United to the top half of the Premier League table.

Along with Rashford, United also allowed Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund to depart on loan, with none of those attackers expected to have a future back at Old Trafford.

Another late exit was goalkeeper Andre Onana, told he could depart after the arrival of Senne Lammens. Onana joined Trabzonspor on loan for the season without an option to make the move permanent.

Andre Onana just did something for Trabzonspor that he never managed for Manchester United in 102 appearances

In just his second appearance for Trabzonspor, Andre Onana got an assist for his new club as they drew with Gaziantep in the Turkish Super Lig.

Trailing 1-0 at home, Onana ventured out of his goal to the right hand touchline in a bid to launch the ball up field.

His long ball bounced over the head of striker Paul Onuachu and his defender, allowing the forward to turn, nudge the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper, then loft the ball into an empty net under pressure.

The goal went down as an Onana assist, giving him only the second assist of his career, after his goal kick set up Amin Younes for Ajax in their 2017 win over AZ Alkmaar.

Andre Onana shows new side to his game in eye-catching start at Trabzonspor

Given United’s tactics under Ruben Amorim and Erik Ten Hag before him, Onana was rarely asked to play the ball long in an attempt to go direct.

Andre Onana stats for Trabzonspor vs Gaziantep (Source: Fotmob)

• Minutes – 90
• Touches – 30
• Saves – 0
• Passes – 26
• Pass completion – 54%
• Passes into final third – 11
• Chances created – 2
• Assists – 1

Instead, his short passing was often put under pressure which often led to high-profile mistakes. But this weekend, Onana made 11 passes into the final third against Gaziantep, more than any other player on the pitch.

His passing accuracy overall was mixed – completing 14 of his 26 passes, although he created two chances from those, including his assist.

Of his long balls, eight out of 19 were accurate, while he made 30 touches in the game. Perhaps, a change of scene and tactics could unlock a new style for Onana and potentially more assists to follow.