Andre Onana has faced a lot of criticism in his first two years at Manchester United.
The 29-year-old Manchester United goalkeeper has faced a tough second season at Old Trafford, despite a bright start to the 2024/25 campaign.
Andre Onana had stepped up under former United and Ajax manager Erik ten Hag before the Dutchman was sacked as head coach last October.
In November, Ruben Amorim became United’s head coach and Onana started to slip back into the form he showed last season with mistakes aplenty.
The Cameroon international was the subject of heavy criticism during United’s Europa League quarter-final tie against Lyon, after conceding two howlers in the first leg to give the French side hope of progressing.
Now, after getting over the Lyon nightmare, Onana will be hoping to pull off any heroics needed to ensure United win the Europa League. There is more pressure than ever before for Onana to perform.
Mitchell van der Gaag gives verdict on Andre Onana
Former Manchester United assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag believes Andre Onana is not the only player at Old Trafford to struggle with the criticism that stems from media and social media.
Onana was described as “one of the worst keepers” in United’s history by Nemanja Matic before the Red Devils knocked Lyon out of the Europa League.
The Cameroonian stopper has made nine errors leading to goals in all competitions this season, with speculation starting to grow over his future.
Van der Gaag, who left United in July 2024, thinks the pressure weighs heavily on players once they sign for the club.
“It’s an emotional rollercoaster [being a goalkeeper for United],” Van der Gaag told BBC. “That’s what I think looking from the outside now but from last year’s experience as well.
“Then you need results as well. Coaches, players need results. You need consistency from the team.
“I already knew Andre from Ajax and he’s a good goalkeeper. He showed that at Inter as well.”
After Onana’s nightmare showing in the first-leg against Lyon, Amorim dropped him from the squad that lost 4-1 against Newcastle.
However, Onana has since returned to the team and is set to start against Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-final.
Van der Gaag added: “We cannot forget the impact Man Utd has on everyone,” he said. “That criticism is there, excellence is expected and players have to deal with that. The other part is that there will always be comparisons.
“He is under pressure and scrutiny but he has overcome many challenges in his career before. At the start of last season, everyone was saying he was United’s best and most consistent player so it can change quickly.”
What’s next for Mitchell van der Gaag?
Like Ten Hag, Van der Gaag has been out of work since he left United.
The 52-year-old coach helped the Red Devils win a trophy in each of his two seasons but decided not to continue his role for a third season, which turned out to be Ten Hag’s last…
Van der Gaag is preparing to find his path as a manager by going his separate ways from Ten Hag.
“We’ve know each other for five years, working closely, so the connection is always there,” Van der Gaag said.
“I’m grateful to Erik for taking me to Manchester United—it was a huge opportunity. We’ve talked about our feelings, and I told him it was the right time for me to start again as a head coach. It was disappointing for both of us because our relationship was strong, but sometimes life changes, and you follow your own path.
“I learned technical awareness, how prepared he is and how to be stoic under pressure from him.
“We had a good conversation, as always, and then you move on. I want to be the head coach again, face the pressure, and experience the challenges, even knowing that losing four games can bring problems.
“That’s part of a manager’s life, and I want to be on my own again.”
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