Andre Onana’s Manchester United career so far has been anything but smooth. From high-profile errors to public criticism, the Cameroonian goalkeeper finds himself at a crossroads
While his talent is undeniable, talent alone is not enough at a club like United—especially for a position as unforgiving as goalkeeper.
Whether he can bounce back or not will depend on his mental strength, willingness to adapt, and consistency in performance.
For now, all eyes will be on Old Trafford on April 17, where Onana has the chance to begin rewriting the narrative—or risk becoming yet another cautionary tale in the club’s modern history.
The story of Andre Onana’s season encapsulates much of what has gone wrong at Manchester United this year—high expectations, costly errors, and uncertainty about the future. Yet, within that narrative lies a deeper lesson about leadership and resilience.
Ruben Amorim’s defense of his under-fire goalkeeper reflects a manager who understands that trust and support can sometimes be more powerful than tactics. Whether that trust pays off will depend on how both Onana and the team respond in the coming weeks.
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Andre Onana’s Troubled Tenure at Manchester United
A Closer Look at the Numbers, Criticism, and What Lies Ahead
When Manchester United secured the signature of Andre Onana from Inter Milan for €50.20 million in the summer of 2023, fans had high hopes.1
The Cameroonian shot-stopper came with a stellar reputation, having helped Inter reach the Champions League final just months before.
Known for his footwork, composure under pressure, and ability to initiate plays from the back, Onana was expected to revolutionize United’s build-up play and bring much-needed stability between the sticks.
However, reality has not met expectation.
Since his arrival, Onana has struggled to find consistent form. While every goalkeeper is prone to occasional mistakes, the frequency and impact of Onana’s errors have raised eyebrows across the football world.
According to recent statistics, he has made more errors leading to a shot (12) or a goal (8) than any other Premier League goalkeeper since July 2023. This statistic is not only alarming—it’s damning.
I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent.
We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud.
At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same. pic.twitter.com/3easLRIz3d
— Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) April 9, 2025
Errors Under the Spotlight: A Breakdown
Goalkeeping errors are often magnified due to their potential match-defining consequences. In Onana’s case, several of his mistakes have directly influenced results. His misjudgments have led to crucial dropped points in the Premier League and European competitions.
A glaring example came during Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon on April 10.
With the match poised delicately at 1-1, Onana mishandled a Thiago Almada free-kick, allowing the ball to sneak into the net. Later, in the dying moments of the game, he spilled a routine save from a Rayan Cherki shot, gifting Lyon a 95th-minute equalizer.
While the match ended 2-2, the narrative quickly turned towards Onana’s errors rather than United’s performance.
Fans and pundits were once again left asking: can Manchester United truly rely on him in the big moments?
Andre Onana: Nemanja Matic’s Brutal Verdict
Perhaps the most stinging criticism came from a former Red Devil himself—Nemanja Matic.2
In the wake of the Lyon draw, Matic, now a Lyon midfielder, didn’t hold back. Responding to Onana’s pre-match comments claiming that United were “a far better team” than Lyon, Matic said, “He talks too much for someone who might be one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.”
Matic’s words echoed the growing sentiment among sections of the fanbase who feel that Onana’s performances have not justified his confident demeanor.
While it’s common for players to display self-belief, it becomes problematic when their performances fail to back it up. In Onana’s case, his bravado is increasingly being seen as misplaced arrogance rather than leadership.
A Glimmer of Success: FA Cup Triumph
Despite the criticism and frequent errors, it hasn’t been all doom and gloom for Onana at Manchester United.
He was part of the squad that lifted the FA Cup in 2024, giving fans a rare moment of celebration in an otherwise turbulent season.
Throughout that campaign, Onana produced several standout performances, including a clean sheet in the semi-final and a composed display in the final.
For a brief period, it seemed like he might be turning a corner. But inconsistency has remained his biggest enemy.
The Stats That Tell the Story
To date, Onana has made 94 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, recording 23 clean sheets.
That equates to a clean sheet ratio of roughly 24.5%, which falls short of the standard expected at a club of United’s stature.
By comparison, his predecessor David de Gea—often criticized for his own struggles late in his United career—had a career clean sheet percentage of over 34% in the Premier League alone.
What’s more troubling is the nature of Onana’s errors. Many have come in high-pressure scenarios, where goalkeepers are expected to be at their sharpest.
From weak parries to lapses in concentration and misjudged distributions, his mistakes have painted a picture of a goalkeeper lacking confidence and composure when it matters most.
Andre Onana: Playing Style vs Premier League Demands
Part of the problem may stem from a clash between Onana’s style and the unique demands of English football.3
At Inter Milan, he operated in a defensively structured system, protected by a disciplined back three. At Manchester United, especially under Erik ten Hag, he is asked to act as a sweeper-keeper, often playing outside his box and taking risks with his feet.
The Premier League, known for its fast tempo and physicality, offers little forgiveness for goalkeeping errors. Onana’s adventurous style—while admirable in theory—has often left him exposed, especially when paired with a sometimes shaky United defense.
It’s a stark reminder that not all systems translate seamlessly across leagues and teams. For Onana, adapting to the Premier League’s unique challenges has been harder than anticipated.
Pressure Mounting Ahead of Second Leg
With the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final set to be played at Old Trafford on April 17, Onana finds himself under intense pressure.
A mistake in that match could not only cost United a place in the semi-finals but could also seal his fate in the eyes of fans and management.
United are no strangers to goalkeeper controversies. From the days of Mark Bosnich and Massimo Taibi to more recent struggles with De Gea’s distribution, the club has seen its fair share of high-profile goalkeeping woes.
However, given the financial investment and public support shown to Onana by Ten Hag, this situation carries additional weight.
Failure to deliver in the coming weeks could see Manchester United forced to reassess their long-term plans between the posts.
What’s Next for Onana and United?
Looking ahead, the road forward for Onana is filled with uncertainty. Should he continue to underperform, the club might look for reinforcements in the summer transfer window.
Already, there are whispers linking United with several goalkeepers across Europe, including Porto’s Diogo Costa and Brentford’s David Raya (currently on loan at Arsenal).
However, it’s not too late for redemption. Football is filled with stories of players who turned their fortunes around after difficult starts. With the backing of his manager and some improved performances, Onana still has the opportunity to prove his critics wrong.
Much will depend on his ability to maintain composure, learn from his mistakes, and deliver in crucial fixtures—starting with the second leg against Lyon.
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Andre Onana’s Performance Scrutinized After Lyon Clash
Thursday’s loss to Lyon highlighted the defensive frailties of Manchester United, with Andre Onana once again finding himself at the center of controversy.
Poor decision-making and questionable handling led to goals that proved costly in a match where United had hoped to regain some momentum.
Critics were quick to point fingers at the goalkeeper, adding to what has already been a season filled with ups and downs for the 28-year-old.
While mistakes are part of the game, Onana’s recent string of errors have become a recurring theme, leaving fans wondering whether he is the long-term solution between the posts.
Amorim Stands Firm Behind His Number One
Despite the backlash, Ruben Amorim was quick to stand by his goalkeeper.
Speaking to the media after the game, Amorim acknowledged Onana’s difficult night but also offered perspective on the situation:
“If you look at the season I’ve made more mistakes than them during these last games and during these last months,” Amorim said, referencing the collective responsibility within the squad.
By including himself in the critique, Amorim emphasized the importance of unity and accountability within the team. Rather than throwing his player under the bus, he chose to support Onana through what is clearly a challenging period.
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Confidence Amid Criticism
Amorim also highlighted the need for patience and trust in Onana’s abilities:
“There’s nothing I can say to Andre in this moment that will help him, so the most important thing is to be natural and then when the time comes I will choose the best XI to play. But I’m really confident in Andre.”
These remarks signal a vote of confidence from a manager determined to protect his player from mounting external pressure.
Amorim’s comments reflect an understanding of the mental toll that criticism can take on an athlete and a desire to shield Onana from further scrutiny.
Transfer Rumors Swirl Around Onana’s Future
Interestingly, despite Amorim’s supportive tone, reports have emerged suggesting a potential contradiction.
According to The Sun, and relayed by Manchester Evening News, Amorim has allegedly approved Onana’s sale, casting doubt on his future at Old Trafford.
These reports indicate a potential shift in the club’s transfer strategy, possibly driven by a need to reset the squad after a disappointing campaign.
If true, it would suggest that while Amorim may back Onana publicly, privately the club could be weighing up their options.
Andre Onana: Defensive Woes Exacerbate his Struggles
While Onana has made his share of mistakes, it’s important to recognize that United’s defensive unit has often left him exposed.
A lack of cohesion in the backline, frequent changes due to injuries, and tactical instability have all contributed to the team’s poor defensive record.
Currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League, United’s inability to keep clean sheets is not solely down to Onana’s performances. In many cases, he has been left to face a barrage of opposition chances with little support.
The question now is whether Andre Onana can recover and return to form. Goalkeepers, perhaps more than any other position, rely heavily on confidence. A string of good performances could go a long way in turning his fortunes around.
Historically, Onana has shown resilience. From overcoming a doping ban to becoming a Champions League finalist, he has experienced both highs and lows in his career. If Amorim continues to back him, there’s a chance he can rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most promising keepers.
The Role of Mental Strength
Amorim’s remarks allude to the psychological aspect of Onana’s current form. The manager’s approach—to not overwhelm his keeper with advice in the moment—shows an understanding that players often need time and space to mentally reset.
Athletes under intense scrutiny can quickly spiral if they feel unsupported. Amorim’s words were not just meant for Onana, but likely for the dressing room and fanbase as well, encouraging a collective patience.
A Fork in the Road
Regardless of Amorim’s faith, the situation is approaching a critical juncture. If United continues to underperform, pressure will mount on both Onana and Amorim. The manager’s support for his keeper could be tested, especially if results don’t improve.
Should the rumors of a potential sale materialize, United may look to reinvest in a new goalkeeper during the summer window, signaling a new chapter. Alternatively, if Onana manages to rebound with strong performances in the latter stages of the season, he might just secure his place for the future.
With the Premier League season entering its final stretch, every match becomes crucial. Manchester United must find consistency to climb the table, and that requires a dependable presence in goal.
Amorim’s challenge is not only tactical but emotional—restoring belief in a fractured squad while navigating the storm of media scrutiny and fan frustration. Whether Onana is part of that revival or becomes a casualty of a transitional season remains to be seen.
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