Andre Onana, Manchester United’s goalkeeper, has once again found himself under intense scrutiny following a costly mistake against Ipswich Town. Despite United’s eventual 3-2 victory, Onana’s error reignited debates about his suitability as a replacement for David de Gea. The mistake occurred when Onana rushed out of his goal, misjudging a situation where Patrick Dorgu had control of the ball, leading to Jaden Philogene scoring an easy goal.
Onana’s performance has been marred by several high-profile errors this season, including mistakes against Viktoria Plzen, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest. His Champions League debut was also marked by a notable blunder against Bayern Munich, contributing to United’s early exit from the competition13. The £47 million signing from Inter Milan has struggled to shake off doubts about his reliability, with many comparing him unfavorably to De Gea, who now plays for Fiorentina and boasts a superior shot-save percentage.
Manchester United’s coaching staff are reportedly concerned about Onana’s form, viewing it as a major issue. However, the club seems reluctant to admit any mistake in signing him, given the significant investment made. Onana’s backup, Altay Bayindir, has seen limited action, raising questions about the decision to let go of other goalkeepers like De Gea and Dean Henderson for less than what was paid for Onana.
Despite making crucial saves, Onana’s passing accuracy has also been a point of concern, as he was brought in to support a possession-based style of play. His passing statistics are not significantly better than De Gea’s, who was criticized for his lack of comfort with the ball at his feet. Former United goalkeeper Massimo Taibi has suggested that Onana might be underperforming due to the pressures of the United environment, advising him to reassess his situation by June.
In summary, Andre Onana’s recent mistakes have heightened scrutiny over his role at Manchester United, with many questioning whether he is the right fit for the club’s ambitions.