Former Man Utd goalkeeper points out major flaw in Andre Onana, explains how he could have stopped Athletic Club’s opener

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Manchester United secured a place in the Europa League final after two convincing wins over Athletic Club in the semi-final.

Mason Mount took the headlines for inspiring a 4-1 win over the La Liga outfit at Old Trafford, but it’s also worth remembering that the first half was a more nervy affair than it needed to be.

Manchester United led Athletic Club 3-0 after a comfortable first-leg tie. It meant the visitors had it all to do in the return fixture. They started brightly by opening the scoring after 31 minutes when Mikel Jauregizar took advantage of Harry Maguire’s wayward pass before beating Andre Onana from a distance.

Although Athletic Club gave reason for brief panic, Ruben Amorim’s side kept their cool and scored four goals after the 70-minute mark to secure their place in the Europa League final.

With arrangements made for Bilbao in two weeks, Amorim has big decisions to make over the coming weeks when it comes to naming his starting XI for the eagerly awaited final.

Gary Bailey criticises Andre Onana for Athletic Club goal

Athletic Club’s opener came after Maguire gave away possession in sloppy fashion, but questions were also asked of Onana, who should have stopped the shot from distance.

Although the goal didn’t prove too costly, Onana has been on the receiving end of multiple mistakes this season, especially in United’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon, which ended 2-2.

United fans will hope Onana had cut out the mistakes between now and the final on May 21.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Bailey was critical of Onana’s goalkeeping against Athletic Club on Thursday night.

Bailey, who established himself between the sticks for United in the late 70s, went on to win two FA Cups and made 375 appearances for the club.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Bailey explained that Onana tried to save the goal by using two hands but he would have had a better chance if he had stretched with one hand.

It’s an interesting piece of insight to consider from a goalkeeper who has played the game at the highest level.

The last thing Onana needs now is additional pressure because all eyes will be on him in the final.

Onana prepares for third European Cup final

United’s first-choice stopper Onana is preparing for his third European Cup final when United take on Tottenham in Bilbao.

The Cameroon international started for Ajax in the 2017 Europa League final when Jose Mourinho’s United side were victorious in Stockholm.

Onana was on the losing side again in 2023 when Man City beat Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

Hopefully, it’s a matter of third time lucky for Onana later this month.