Andy Cole names the one Man Utd player who really impressed him against Arsenal

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Manchester United’s are three games into pre-season, with two more matches remaining.

Erik ten Hag’s side have won one and lost two games so far, but you can’t read anything into pre-season wins and losses. Just ask Louis van Gaal, who won every single match of pre-season in 2014, before his team lost a home Premier League opener to Swansea City.

All that matters is developing sharpness and fitness, and avoiding injuries. Unfortunately United have so far been unable to escape the latter, with Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro suffering injuries against the Gunners.

There have been some good performances in there too. Amad, Toby Collyer and Mason Mount have all impressed. It was another player who caught former star Andy Cole’s eye.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Andy Cole on Andre Onana

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole was in Los Angeles to watch Manchester United’s game with Arsenal.

United were defeated 2-1, before winning an end of game penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Andre Onana caught Andy Cole’s eye.

Cole told United’s tour diary: “Although the squad will be disappointed to lose to Arsenal, there were plenty of positives for me.

“The team looked fit and sharp and moved the ball effectively in large periods of the game, especially in the first half when I agreed with Erik ten Hag that we were the better team.

“I know the penalty shootout was an exhibition but I was really impressed with the calmness of the players, in particular Andre Onana.”

Andre Onana enters second season

This time last year Andre Onana had just tied up his move to Manchester United and flown out to join the squad.

He missed the first game of the USA tour against Arsenal, before playing against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Onana’s first few months at Manchester United proved to be a little shaky, but in the second half of the season he was vastly improved.

By time the season concluded, it was clear Onana was delivering upon being an upgrade on David de Gea.

Now as we enter 2024/25, United are looking to Onana for continued improvement and stability.

His confidence was certainly on show in the shootout against Arsenal, a sign of a player who has really bedded in, with the confidence of his first trophy win with the club.