Times Sport journalist Henry Winter believes Andre Onana is showing glimpses of the world-class form he so frequently portrayed at both Ajax and Inter Milan.
The Manchester United number one has divided opinions since his £47 million move last summer, with portions of the fanbase – and media – questioning his suitability for the role after a problematic start to life at Old Trafford.
Onana, 27, came under fire, in particular, for his costly mistakes in the Champions League and given that the side were unable to progress past the group stage, finishing rock bottom of Group A, blame was largely directed his way.
In the Premier League, the Cameroonian has conceded 36 goals in 26 matches, the most of any team in the top four but one less than fellow European football-chasing Tottenham Hotspur. He has also notched seven clean sheets, tied level with Liverpool’s Alisson Becker.
The below statistic details how Onana, who is placed behind an ever-changing backline, has faced 16+ shots in 14 matches this season.
We’ve known for some time that United can be easily torn apart by their opposition, but that only highlights how incompetent the defence has been at times and how responsibility has been left entirely on the ‘keeper to correct their mistakes.
Onana earns high praise after Forest win
Alas, a clean sheet and numerous outstanding saves at The City Ground on Wednesday night saw Onana lauded by many and slowly, he’s silencing his critics with each commendable display.
Winter shared on X, formerly Twitter: “Impressed with Andre Onana tonight. Reliable, safe, some decent saves and a clean sheet, more like his Ajax/Inter self. Unconvincing when he first arrived at United but looks to have the ability and personality to do well for them.”
