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6 months ago
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Numerous Manchester United players have been called out for their sub-par showings in Sunday’s deflating defeat to Arsenal, and one surprising name among the list is Andre Onana.
Despite a catalogue of costly errors across the first half of the campaign, the goalkeeper has certainly convinced some – not all – of his doubters that he’s the man for the job long-term.
When looking at Onana’s maiden term statistically, the most significant red flag is that he’s conceded 80 goals across all competitions thus far. 56 of those have come in the Premier League, where United have faced the same amount of shots (630) as Derby County did in 2007/08 when the Rams notoriously finished on 11 points.
Onana, who signed on a £47 million deal from Inter Milan last summer, has also had to navigate an ever-changing defensive line in front of him. This season’s debilitating injury crisis has undoubtedly hit the backline the hardest, and it’s led to Casemiro deputising at centre-half while partnering 36-year-old Jonny Evans in recent outings.
During yesterday’s clash with the Gunners, Clinton Morrison bemoaned one aspect of the United star’s play style. He said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Onana’s the most frustrating goalkeeper because he wants to show everyone he can showboat.
“Just play the ball. Your job is to keep the ball out of the net. I know we want goalies to play out from the back, but play it quicker. If you were an outfield player, it’s different, but there’s a reason you’re a goalie.”
Onana has his manager’s backing
One thing we pretty much know for sure is that regardless of supporters’ – or pundits’ – opinions, Erik ten Hag will be sticking with the Cameroonian between the sticks for the foreseeable future.
That’s already been proven by the fact that the manager continued starting him throughout his woeful run of form rather than calling upon second-choice Altay Bayindir, and Onana has now been working tirelessly to repay his boss’ faith.

