Andre Onana: Manchester United’s goalkeeper, is about to play a crucial match that could define his future at the club. On Thursday, Manchester United will face Lyon in the Europa League, and Onana’s performance may determine whether he stays at the club.
Onana’s Controversial Comments Before Quarter-Final
Before the first leg of the quarter-final against Lyon in France, Onana made bold statements, claiming that Manchester United was “way better” than Lyon. This sparked a response from Nemanja Matic, a former United player now at Lyon, who called Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.”
Andre Onana Struggles in the First Leg
Onana faced a tough reception from Lyon fans. His earlier comments came back to haunt him when he made mistakes that led to both goals Manchester United conceded in the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Manager’s Tough Decision: Onana or Bayindir?
Following the game, United’s manager Ruben Amorim decided to drop Onana for their next match against Newcastle. He brought in backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, but the result was a 4-1 defeat, with Bayindir also making a mistake that led to a goal.
Now, Amorim faces a tough decision. Should he bring Onana back into the starting lineup, or should he stick with Bayindir for the next match?
High Stakes for Manchester United
The next match is crucial for Manchester United season. If they lose at Old Trafford, their season could be over, with no hope left for the Premier League. A win, however, would keep them in the hunt for the Europa League title, which could lead to qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Onana’s Transfer to Manchester United
In 2023, Manchester United signed Onana from Inter Milan for around £47 million ($62 million) to replace David de Gea. Onana had previously worked with manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax, and Ten Hag praised his ability to play with the ball at his feet. However, Onana has struggled with consistency at United.
Onana’s Performance and Criticism
While Andre Onana has shown moments of brilliance, he has also earned a reputation for making costly mistakes. According to Opta’s stats, Onana has made the most errors leading to goals by any Premier League goalkeeper since last season, with a total of eight.
The Comparison to De Gea
Meanwhile, David de Gea, who left the club on a free transfer, is now playing for Fiorentina in Italy. De Gea’s departure has added pressure on Onana, who has struggled to meet expectations.
Amorim’s Support for Onana
After the draw against Lyon, Amorim defended Onana, saying it was important to manage his mental and physical well-being. Amorim also explained that he allowed Onana to rest before the Newcastle match, believing it would help him perform better in future games.
Onana’s Mixed Statistics
Onana’s record is a mix of good and bad. He has conceded goals at a higher rate than other United goalkeepers. However, statistics also show that he has prevented more goals than most other goalkeepers in the Premier League this season, based on expected goals data.
The Importance of the Upcoming Match
The match on Thursday is a defining moment for both Onana and Manchester United. The team is currently 14th in the Premier League, and a poor finish could see them end up in 17th place, dangerously close to relegation.
Can Onana Help Save United’s Season?
Despite the challenges, Amorim still has a chance to secure a European trophy for United, which would help rebuild the club. Whether Onana will remain a key player in United’s future depends on his performance in the upcoming matches.
