Andre Onana has faced criticism for his decision to adopt a more “risky” approach in goal this season for Manchester-United. Despite receiving backing from former United legend Peter Schmeichel.
Onana’s first season at Old Trafford was challenging, with the goalkeeper conceding 83 goals across all competitions and managing just 13 clean sheets from 51 appearances. Many attributed the goals conceded to his own errors, raising concerns about his performance.
Despite these struggles, Onana has vowed to maintain a high-risk, high-reward style of play. This statement has drawn criticism from Tim Howard, a former United goalkeeper who won the FA Cup and the League Cup with the club. Howard expressed his surprise at Onana’s comments, suggesting that the 28-year-old should adopt a more cautious approach.
“I’m rarely surprised at things in football, but I was utterly shocked to hear Onana say, ‘be prepared I will take a lot more risks this season.’ He conceded 58 goals last year; that number needs to come down,” Howard told NBC Sports. “He can ill afford to make too many mistakes. Some of the goals that went past him were very, very saveable.”
Howard acknowledged Onana’s potential but stressed the need for improvement. Emphasizing that the goalkeeper must reduce errors to secure his position at the club.
In contrast, Peter Schmeichel, another former Manchester United great, has expressed confidence in Onana’s abilities. Schmeichel believes that Onana’s difficulties last season were due in part to inconsistent defensive support.
“Schmeichel told GOAL that he thinks Onana was a bit unlucky for two reasons.” “First, he didn’t have a consistent defense in front of him. A goalkeeper needs a solid defense to perform at their best. Second, the goal he conceded in Munich was unlucky; if it had happened at Inter or Ajax, it might have been forgotten quickly. At Manchester United, mistakes are more scrutinized.”
Schmeichel noted that Onana has shown improvement throughout the season and is optimistic about his future, provided he receives better defensive support. “With the right protection in front of him, I’m sure Onana can become a world-class goalkeeper and perform well.”
Onana has started both of Manchester United’s games this season, including the Community Shield and a Premier-League match against Fulham. Where he kept a clean sheet to help his team secure a victory.
As Onana continues to adapt to his role, the debate over his playing style and the impact of defensive support remains a focal point of discussion among fans and pundits alike.
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