Andre Onana has been left unscathed by the stark criticism he’s received after a tumultuous start to life at Manchester United.
A whopping 45 goals conceded in all competitions has led to questions being asked of the Red Devils’ £47.2 million summer signing Onana, who was sought to replace David de Gea between the sticks when his 12-year stay at Old Trafford came to an end.
The Cameroonian has already racked up a catalogue of costly mistakes and errors, some of which have led to United losing matches and dropping crucial points amid a record-breakingly poor start to the season; the club are out of the Carabao Cup, out of Europe entirely and seventh-placed in the Premier League.
Whilst responsibility, of course, doesn’t all fall onto the shoulders of Onana, it’s safe to say that his form simply has to pick up before it’s too late. Erik ten Hag has been patient with the goalkeeper and has maintained faith in him over second-choice Altay Bayindir, with the 25-year-old yet to be granted his club debut since signing on deadline day last summer.
Onana speaks out
Speaking to Sky Italy, Onana reflected on his transition to English football and being on the end of certain fans and pundits’ disapproval.
“Mistakes are part of learning, we know that people expect a lot from me and that’s why they criticise me so much. But for me, it’s not a problem, I’m used to it. The same thing also happened at Inter.
“At the beginning they criticised me, but look how it ended… Now it’s eternal love with the Nerazzurri. Manchester United is an even bigger club and the expectations are also greater, but I’m sure that by doing better and better, from now on, we will smile together as happened with Inter. Few believed in us, but we showed what we were capable of.
“Now, at United, I have my future in my hands, we just have to get up and I’m sure we will. For this reason, I say that life is made up of moments, and as such, for better or for worse, they are always temporary.
“There can be good seasons and bad seasons, in life you have to understand when to enjoy the good moments and when you have to endure the bad ones. We are human beings, all these things help us learn.”
