Edwin van der Sar Disagrees with Peter Schmeichel on Andre Onana as Man United Drop Goalkeeper
The goalkeeping position at Manchester United has long been a focal point for fans, pundits, and legends of the game. This season, it’s become an even hotter topic as André Onana’s rollercoaster performances continue to divide opinion. Now, two of the club’s most iconic goalkeepers—Edwin van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel—find themselves at odds over the Cameroonian international, following reports that Manchester United have dropped Onana from the starting XI amid growing concerns over his form.
While Schmeichel has been publicly critical of Onana, voicing concerns over his decision-making and mental composure under pressure, Van der Sar has taken a more nuanced, even supportive stance, citing Onana’s strengths and potential to grow into the role. Their disagreement highlights a broader split in how fans and former players are reacting to the goalkeeper’s tumultuous debut season at Old Trafford.
Onana’s Rocky First Season
André Onana was brought in from Inter Milan last summer to replace long-time No. 1 David de Gea. Known for his exceptional distribution, calmness under pressure, and ability to operate as a sweeper-keeper, Onana was seen as the ideal fit for a modern Manchester United under a tactically evolving manager like Erik ten Hag.
However, the reality has been far from ideal.
Onana’s United career has been littered with high-profile mistakes, including costly errors in Champions League group matches, misjudged punches, and awkward positioning in crucial games. Despite some standout performances—such as his penalty save against FC Copenhagen and a string of saves in league clashes—the inconsistency has caused concern.
Now, with the club still battling for European qualification and tensions rising inside the dressing room, Onana has reportedly been dropped from the starting lineup, with backup keeper Altay Bayındır expected to take his place in the coming fixtures.
Schmeichel’s Sharp Criticism
Peter Schmeichel, the treble-winning legend and vocal pundit, has never been one to pull punches. Speaking on Sky Sports after United’s recent loss to Newcastle, Schmeichel laid into Onana, suggesting he lacks the concentration levels and leadership needed at a club like Manchester United.
> “He’s not commanding his box, he’s not organizing his defense, and the mistakes are adding up. United can’t afford a keeper who costs you points,” Schmeichel said.
“It’s not just about shot-stopping anymore—it’s about presence. Onana hasn’t shown he can be the leader from the back.”
Schmeichel also expressed doubts about Onana’s ability to recover mentally from the criticism and pressure that comes with playing at Old Trafford. According to him, the club may need to “cut their losses” and begin the search for a new No. 1 in the summer.
Van der Sar’s Different View
Edwin van der Sar, another United great and a former technical director at Ajax—where Onana made his name—sees things differently. Speaking in a recent interview with Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Van der Sar acknowledged Onana’s tough start but defended his former protégé.
> “André is a strong character. He’s been through adversity before, including a suspension, and came back stronger. What people forget is the kind of pressure he’s under—and the kind of football United are trying to play,” Van der Sar said.
“Yes, there have been mistakes, but he’s also been asked to change the way United build from the back. That takes time. You don’t become Van der Sar or Schmeichel overnight.”
Van der Sar pointed to Onana’s technical ability, bravery on the ball, and capacity for improvement, suggesting that dropping him might be short-sighted. “You need stability to grow. I’d keep faith in him.”
Who’s Right?
The contrasting views of Van der Sar and Schmeichel capture the essence of the debate around Onana. While some believe he represents a step toward a more modern, ball-playing goalkeeper who can initiate attacks, others see a liability who doesn’t provide enough confidence to the defense.
The stats tell both sides of the story:
Saves per game (PL): 3.2
Clean sheets: 7
Errors leading to goals: 5
Pass completion rate: 82%
While his passing and distribution are top-tier, his shot-stopping and command of the box have been inconsistent. For a club of United’s stature, those inconsistencies become magnified—especially when the team is already struggling defensively.
Manchester United’s Decision
According to sources within the club, the decision to bench Onana was not made lightly. Manager Ruben Amorim—tasked with rebuilding the squad and enforcing tactical discipline—has reportedly lost patience with the constant defensive errors.
Onana’s dip in form has coincided with a rough patch for United, including humiliating losses in the league and a dismal Champions League group stage exit. The coaching staff now believe giving Bayındır or Tom Heaton a run in the starting XI could bring much-needed calmness at the back and re-ignite competition for the No. 1 shirt.
This decision could signal a wider shake-up ahead of the summer transfer window, with Amorim looking to bring in a goalkeeper more suited to his system or one with better consistency in high-pressure moments.
Fan Reactions
As expected, the fanbase is split down the middle.
“Schmeichel’s right. We can’t have a keeper who keeps costing us goals. We need someone solid and reliable.”
“Van der Sar understands the process. Onana has qualities we haven’t had in years—give him time.”
“Dropping him might hurt his confidence more. Either back him or sell him. We can’t sit on the fence.”
Social media is ablaze with debates, with some fans calling for patience and others demanding a new signing. United’s recent performances, particularly the defensive frailties, haven’t helped Onana’s cause.
What Happens Next?
It remains to be seen whether Onana’s benching is temporary or a sign of bigger changes ahead. If Bayındır performs well, the Cameroonian could find himself on the sidelines for the remainder of the season. With Euro 2024 and the transfer window looming, any continued dip in form could even spell the end of his United career—despite having only arrived less than a year ago.
Van der Sar’s backing suggests that Onana still has powerful allies in football who believe in his ability to recover and thrive. However, in the cutthroat world of Manchester United, support from legends may not be enough if the performances don’t improve.
Final Thoughts
The disagreement between Edwin van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel on André Onana isn’t just a debate between two goalkeeping icons—it’s symbolic of the crossroads Manchester United find themselves at. Onana represents a modern vision of the game: risk-taking, expansive, and daring. But football at the highest level also demands results, consistency, and leadership—qualities Schmeichel believes are lacking.
Whether Onana rebounds and proves the doubters wrong or becomes another name on United’s ever-growing list of short-lived signings remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the scrutiny is
only intensifying, and the battle for Manchester United’s No. 1 shirt is far from over.
Leave a Reply