Manchester United hero John O’Shea has hailed the development he has seen in one of the players Erik ten Hag brought to the club.
Not all of Erik ten Hag’s signings at Manchester United were successful, and after joining the club from Inter Milan in 2023, Andre Onana had a pretty horrific start.
From being lobbed against Lens from the halfway line in a pre-season friendly to multiple Champions League errors, it was a tough opening for the Cameroon international.
Onana has been vastly improved in 2024, and this season he is the Golden Glove leader in the Premier League and was praised for a ‘world class’ save in the recent draw with Ipswich.
John O’Shea impressed with Andre Onana
Former Manchester United defender and occasional midfielder John O’Shea spoke to MUTV before the Europa League game against Bodo/Glimt.
This followed the draw with Ipswich in which Onana’s wondrous save from Liam Delap was still a big talking point.
O’Shea said: “This one looked a certain goal, amazing, he stood up, strong, great hand. That save, that’s top quality.
“That’s why he was brought to the club. Everyone knows his football ability to play off from the back, set up attacks, be an extra player in the build up if needed. But most importantly, what most players would like, outfield players, would like from the keeper, that they make big saves at big moments.”
He added of Onana: “He’s developing that understanding that he’s getting with the players now that he knows them.”
Onana is the undisputed first choice. A year there were calls for Altay Bayindir to get a chance, or even for David de Gea to be re-signed on a free transfer. Now there is no debate.
O’Shea noted: “He’s massively grown into that role, and long may continue, because it’s such an important position on the pitch.
“If you want to be successful, getting into Champions Leagues, get winning titles, winning anything, your goalkeeper has to be consistent and maintain a level.”
Onana leadership visible
Andre Onana is always confident, and it was this mindset that helped him get through the tougher times during his first season.
O’Shea pointed to the way he came off his line and made himself big against Ipswich as a sign of his desire to be dominant.
“We’ve seen that over the years from from certain United goalkeepers, it’s great.
“It’s great to see the confidence in him, because he looks like as if he really would lead in the dressing room too, if you know what I mean.
“And he’s going to take that authority, now onto the pitch.”
Speaking after the Bodo/Glimt game, O’Shea added that he thought Onana was ‘top class’ again and is pleased he is continuing to show consistency.
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