Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has had an eventful first season, summed up by a truly crazy game against Liverpool.
Andre Onana conceded three goals against Liverpool at Old Trafford yet emerged victorious, with Manchester United doing the business at the other end, clinching a sensational 4-3 win.
Onana made a succession of saves, but was unfortunate to concede two deflected goals. That sums up how his season has gone, nothing has been easy or straightforward.
The Cameroon international celebrated passionately at the final whistle, after the enthralling back and forth cup clash.
Andre Onana performance assessed
Andre Onana exudes confidence, growing into the Manchester United shirt, the way he carries himself, it is clear to see he is a popular part of the team.
His display against Liverpool, however, earned mixed reviews from former United goalkeeper Ben Foster, who picked out the positives and negatives from his performance.
Foster told the United Stand that Onana’s kicking really stood out, pointing out how he helped United get into dangerous positions and test the Liverpool backline.
He said: “He made some good saves in the game and United won the game. I’ve thought his kicking was fantastic as well, his long distance kicking.
“And I know you bought him in to play these balls out the back and lovely football, but some of these balls over the top into Garnacho running into space out to the right wing are fantastic.”
Foster was less impressed with Onana on Liverpool’s extra-time goal, with Harvey Elliott scoring a deflected effort from outside the box.
The recently retired ex-Wrexham stopper believes Onana should have saved it.
He explained: “You’ve got to save it, simple as that. I know it’s a big deflection, but it’s not a million miles away from him.
“He’s got enough set, he’s got enough time that when that ball has taken that deflection, you can see it all the way, even though it’s gone through somebody’s legs, you can still see it all the way.
“He just hasn’t got the reaction that dynamism to be able to push off and make that save.”
Onana was signed to change how United play
Manchester United made a decision to move on from David de Gea last summer, electing to let the Spaniard leave when his contract expired.
United chose Onana because of the potential to change the way the team play. This is still being figured out.
At times, playing out from the back looks shaky, and this won’t necessarily improve until we get Lisandro Martinez in there too.
The Argentine is due to return from injury in April, and hopefully will stay fit. Foster is right though, the best aspects of Onana’s distribution at present are his long passes, and we would like to see more of this from him, rather than taking the short option.
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