Tim Howard urges Manchester United star to simplify his game despite risk-taking comments

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard admits he was ‘shocked’ by some of Andre Onana’s comments during pre-season and has urged the shot-stopper to simplify his game.

Onana joined United last year as David de Gea’s replacement before embarking on a mixed season. It started poorly, especially in the Champions League, but the Cameroon international began to settle after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

In his second season at United, Onana spoke to the press before it all kicked off and he was full of confidence.

United’s first-choice keeper pledged to take more risks this season, even though I don’t think I suffered with as much heartburn since Onana’s arrived at the club. He takes risk-taking to another level.

Onana was quoted via The Telegraph: “That’s me, and I think it’s what you’re going to see this season because I will take a lot of risks.

“I can tell you in advance already! Be prepared because it’s going to be this season, trust me! I will enjoy it more when this season starts.”

Former USA international and United keeper, Tim Howard has told NBC Sports that Onana’s comments shocked him.

Howard believes Onana should focus on simplifying his game – though that is not the reason the former Barcelona, Ajax and Inter Milan keeper is where he is today.

“I’m rarely surprised at things in football, I was utterly shocked to hear Onana say ‘be prepared I will take a lot more risks this season’,” Howard said.

“He conceded 58 goals, that number has to come down, he can ill-afford to make too many mistakes.

“Some of the goals that went past him were very, very saveable. The fact he’s willing to take more risks I guess is exciting and compelling, I wasn’t convinced last year, but right now he has a lot to prove.

“He has brilliant ability but he hasn’t put that into place and too many goals are going in that need to be saved.”

Onana made two crucial saves against Fulham over the weekend, but his distribution was questionable at best. It’s supposed to be one of his key strengths and expectations are inevitable given the confidence he boasts.

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