Don’t Blame Him For Tottenham’s Goal In Europa League Final – Onana’s Brother
In the aftermath of Manchester United’s agonizing defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, the spotlight has once again turned to goalkeeper André Onana. The Cameroonian international, whose debut season at Old Trafford has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, found himself at the center of criticism after conceding what turned out to be the match-winning goal.
But as pundits, fans, and media outlets dissect every frame of the goal, a surprising voice has emerged in his defense — that of his older brother, Fabrice Onana. In an exclusive interview following the match, Fabrice passionately defended André, insisting the goal was not his fault and calling for critics to examine the bigger picture.
“You can’t blame him for that goal,” Fabrice stated. “Look at the sequence, the lack of pressure on the ball, the gap in the midfield. André did what he could. Football is a team sport, and it’s always too easy to point fingers at the goalkeeper.”
The Goal That Sparked Debate
The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute of the final. Tottenham’s James Maddison picked up the ball in midfield and was given far too much time to survey his options. With United’s midfield failing to close him down, Maddison slid a clever through-ball into the path of Heung-min Son, who beat the offside trap and calmly slotted the ball past Onana.
On first viewing, it seemed a well-crafted goal by Spurs — a testament to their attacking precision. But replays showed a potential lapse in Onana’s positioning. Critics argue he could have narrowed the angle better or reacted quicker. However, Fabrice offers a different perspective.
“People are obsessed with blaming the last man. But where was the midfield tracking Son’s run? Where was the center-back closing the gap? You expect your keeper to save you, but not to perform miracles every time,” he said.
A Season Under Scrutiny
André Onana’s first season in English football has not been easy. Signed from Inter Milan for £47 million to replace long-time No. 1 David de Gea, Onana was expected to bring a modern style of goalkeeping — calm under pressure, strong distribution, and a commanding presence.
While he has shown flashes of that brilliance, the former Ajax and Inter shot-stopper has also made several high-profile errors, particularly early in the season. Missed saves in the Champions League group stage, poor communication with defenders, and occasional lapses in judgment have made him a polarizing figure among fans.
However, statistics tell a more balanced story. Onana ended the season with the most saves in the Europa League, the second-best save percentage in the Premier League, and an improved clean sheet record after Christmas. His performances steadily improved as the season wore on, earning quiet praise from coaches and teammates alike.
Fabrice Onana believes the criticism of his brother has often been unfair and excessive.
“He’s not perfect. No goalkeeper is. But he’s owned his mistakes, worked harder than anyone, and shown resilience. That should count for something,” he argued.
Media Narratives and Goalkeeper Bias
One of the underlying themes in Fabrice’s defense is the way goalkeepers are judged differently from outfield players. In a game where a single mistake can change the narrative of a match, goalkeepers bear a disproportionate amount of blame — something André Onana has become all too familiar with.
**”Let me ask you,” Fabrice challenged. “How many mistakes did outfield players make during that final? How many passes were misplaced? How many runners weren’t tracked? Yet only the goalkeeper’s error becomes a headline.”
Indeed, this has been a recurring narrative in football analysis. Goalkeepers often become scapegoats, even when the team’s structural or tactical issues are at fault. For Onana, who plays an aggressive, high-risk style of goalkeeping, the margin for error is razor thin.
What the Coaches Say
In the post-match press conference, Manchester United’s manager (who remains unnamed officially amid speculation of a managerial change) was asked about Onana’s role in the goal. The response was measured but telling.
“André has had a very good season overall. That goal — I won’t blame him. We lost the ball in a dangerous area, didn’t close the space, and paid the price. It’s not on one player.”
Privately, coaches have praised Onana’s mentality and work ethic. They believe he can be a key part of United’s rebuild, especially under a new structure focused on possession and tactical discipline. Whether or not a new manager — possibly Ruben Amorim or another incoming candidate — shares that view remains to be seen.
Fan Reactions: A Divided Crowd
Among fans, the reaction to Onana’s performance in the final — and the season overall — is sharply divided. Some believe he’s a major upgrade over David de Gea, citing his comfort on the ball and confidence in distribution. Others think he’s a liability who has cost the team at key moments.
On social media, the goal in the Europa League final quickly went viral, with clips highlighting his slow reaction and questions over his footwork. But many supporters also pointed fingers at United’s defensive line, especially the lack of communication between Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot that allowed Son to slip through.
“We can’t build anything if we’re tearing down players every time we lose,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Onana’s not perfect, but he’s not the reason we lost the final. Be serious.”
Looking Ahead: Onana’s Future at United
Despite the backlash, there is little indication that Manchester United are planning to move on from Onana this summer. With major questions over other areas of the squad — including the futures of Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, and even Marcus Rashford — the goalkeeper position is not seen as a priority for overhaul.
André Onana remains under contract until 2028 and is still seen by many within the club as the right man for the job, especially in a team designed to play progressive football. His passing range, courage under pressure, and experience in major finals are viewed as assets in the long term.
Fabrice Onana, for his part, is confident his brother will bounce back.
“André will learn from this like he always does. He’s built for pressure. He’s made of steel. People forget what he’s already overcome in his career. This is just one moment — not his legacy.”
Final Word
Football can be cruel — particularly for goalkeepers. In a high-stakes final where emotions run high and margins are thin, it’s natural to seek culprits. But as Fabrice Onana passionately reminded the football world, the story of a match — and a player’s career — can’t be written from one moment.
André Onana may not have lifted the Europa League trophy with Manchester United this season, but his journey is far from over. The road to redemption in football is never easy — but
for those with resilience, the next chapter always holds promise.
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