Andre Onana takes responsibility for conceding opening goal vs Lens

Manchester United's Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana reacts followin the goal scores by Lens' French forward Florian Sotoca during the pre-season friendly football match between Manchester United and Lens at Old Trafford stadium, in Manchester, on August 5, 2023. (Photo by Darren STAPLES / AFP) (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United made their return to Old Trafford earlier on Saturday when the Reds came from behind to beat French side Lens in a 3-1 win.

The visitors took the lead in the first half with a stunning goal but a dazzling 13-minute spell just after the interval ensured that United returned to winning ways in pre-season after three straight losses.

Andre Onana made his maiden appearance at the Theatre of Dreams and the Cameroon international faced some criticism for Lens’ opening goal, with the strike finding the net from inside the centre circle.

Thankfully, a good second-half performance meant that blushes were spared and Onana’s home debut was one to be remembered.

Speaking after the game, the former Inter shot-stopper delivered his verdict in his post-match interview, in which he took responsibility for conceding the first goal.

“Great experience. I’m happy with my first game here [at Old Trafford]. Proud of the team’s work. The most important thing is winning. I’m happy,” Onana told MUTV, via UtdDistrict.

“A warm welcome. I’m happy, especially with the victory. Now we have to prepare for the games to come.

“I’m happy for the win. Of course, we can always be better. Some things we have to try to fix. Like I always say, I am responsible for everything especially when we concede goals.

“I’m the big man at the back so I take all the criticism, all the pressure on me. It was a great game for me and for the guys, some important goals and I’m happy for everything.”

It’s going to take some time for United fans to adjust to Onana’s style considering the contrast between himself and David de Gea after the Spaniard guarded the net for 12 years.

Onana’s mistake, if it can even be classed as one, will be forgotten by the time United kick off their Premier League curtain-raiser against Wolves in nine days.

Ten Hag has spoken at length about how Onana has been brought in to revolutionise United’s build-up play and hopefully, we will start seeing the product of that sooner rather than later.

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