‘Onana needs to step up’ — Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag

Manchester United's Erik Ten Hag and Andre Onana | Imago

‘Onana needs to step up’ — Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag

Ayoola Kelechi 07:50 - 21.10.2023

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has charged Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana to improve his poor start to the season after paying over the odds to sign the former Inter man

Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana has been charged by Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag to step up to expectations and end his run of poor performances after a shaky start to life with the Red Devils.

Onana struggling with Manchester United start

Onana joined Manchester United in the summer of 2023 from Inter to replace club icon David De Gea in a deal that cost the Red Devils €52.5 million plus a further €5 million in add-ons but has failed to live up to expectations since he joined the club.

The Cameroonian goalkeeper has already conceded 19 goals in 11 matches, keeping only three clean sheets at the start of his Manchester United career, leading many to believe the shot-stopper is not the right fit for the Red Devils.

Andre Onana, Man United goalkeeper || Credit: Imago
Andre Onana, Man United goalkeeper || Credit: Imago

Ten Hag has reacted to criticism of Onana, asking the club’s major summer signing to do better and step up his performances for the Red Devils.

Ten Hag comes to Onana’s defence

Speaking ahead of Manchester United’s match against Sheffield United, the Dutch manager said, “He [Onana] knows, and we know he will do much better.

“Every player coming into the Premier League needs an integration period, but he has to step up. Big United keepers like Peter Schmeichel and David de Gea started not good and Andre knows it is good to know a little bit from history.

“But we live now, we live in the future, and he has to make his future by giving better performances. I’m sure he will.”

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag arrived with a reputation for high pressing and attacking style. (Photo Credit: Charlie)
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag arrived with a reputation for high pressing and attacking style. (Photo Credit: Charlie)

Ten Hag also gave a possible explanation for Onana’s poor form, although he was keen not to create an excuse for the Cameroonian, saying, “I will never use injuries as an excuse, and Andre is not doing that either.

“But, of course, every time you have a different defending line in front of you, it is not helpful. It didn’t help his integration, absolutely.”

Andre Onana has come under fire at Man Utd for perceived shot-stopping flaws || Photo credit: IMAGO
Andre Onana has come under fire at Man Utd for perceived shot-stopping flaws || Photo credit: IMAGO Andre Onana has received criticism at Man Utd

Onana will be hoping to put the disappointing start of his Machester United career behind him, as he looks to integrate properly with his new side.

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