Why the £43m star will be good for Manchester United after a difficult start
Manchester United’s Andre Onana has received a lot of criticism, some justified and some incredibly unwarranted.
The Cameroonian joined the club from Inter Milan in the summer for an initial fee of £43 million and the move has been seen as a game-changing addition to the goalkeeping department.
Replacing David De Gea, Andre Onana brought the required ball-playing ability as well as the confidence to deliver crosses into the penalty area.
It’s fair to say the goalkeeper hasn’t had an easy start to life in Manchester, but the harsh criticism Onana has received is quite exaggerated.
FC Bayern Munich vs Manchester United: Group A – UEFA Champions League 2023/24
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The beginning of Onana
Onana did not have the easiest start. He kept a clean sheet on his Premier League debut but probably should have conceded a penalty. Since then, the Red Devils have conceded fourteen goals in all competitions this season, spread across the next five matches.
The goalkeeper certainly has the confidence to deal with these issues and is set to do well for United.
Onana came under criticism from some media before the start of the season, with predecessor David de Gea firmly entrenched in the United goal. Onana’s confident attitude and willingness to take on responsibilities will surely disappoint some sections of the media, who occasionally enjoy criticizing players.
In the pre-match press conference against Bayern, Onana was again ridiculously questioned about the pre-season incident with Harry Maguire. MORE UNITED STORIES
Because Onana will be fine
Some goalkeepers would have collapsed after the mistake they made on the first goal, but Onana is different.
He made a series of great saves after the mistake and looked as imperious and confident as he did before the mistake.
It is certainly positive that the goalkeeper is publicly defending his mistake and once Onana regains his confidence, he will be back to his best.
Onana’s personality will improve their defense when they would normally have doubts and be nervous about having a shaky goalie behind them. The goalkeeper and the back four resume together. He is supported by his teammates. Bruno Fernandes told Planet Sport: “Andre is a great goalkeeper. He will continue to give us many points, many saves. He doesn’t have to take the blame for anything.
We have to take the blame as a team, we are going through this moment together because we are strong as a team.”
With United facing Burnley, Vincent Kompany’s side will no doubt target the former Inter goalkeeper, but Onana’s faith will serve them well and don’t be surprised if the Cameroonian keeps a clean sheet at Turf Moor.
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