MUTV duo defend Onana and ask why Man Utd star was ‘ducking’ for free-kick

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Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been under fire after a costly performance away at Galatasaray.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been playing well in the Premier League lately, and his strong displays have not had the credit they deserve.

The criticism was rampant over the past 24 hours following his errors against Galatasaray, which Onana concede two free-kick goals from fairly tame central attempts from his former Ajax teammate Hakim Ziyech.

Manchester United drew the game 3-3, now sitting bottom of the Champions League group with only a slim chance of qualification for the knockout phase.

Second goal conceded was the worst

Both free-kick goals conceded by Andre Onana were poor. For the first, he took a gamble Ziyech would go over the wall to his left, and was wrong-footed when the shot went right. If he had just stayed still, or not over-committed, he would have saved it.

The second was worse. Onana spilled it into the net, when he just had to get his body behind it to keep him out.

Onana looked disconsolate after the game, while former United star Paul Scholes has suggested the goalkeeper is making his teammates nervous.

But was the second goal totally his fault?

It has been suggested that Onana was left blindsided by Anthony Martial, who was in the ball’s flightpath, but did not block it.

MUTV duo on Anthony Martial role

Anthony Martial’s role in the goal was discussed on MUTV’s The Debate, with former players David May and Lou Macari criticising the Frenchman for ducking out the way.

David May said: “I’m not sure if Onana’s thinking Martial’s going to head it, if he heads it clear, job well done.”

Lou Macari responded: “You’re a forward, that’s what you are back there for, to head it away.”

May added: “Exactly, it doesn’t matter whether it hurts your head, you’ve got to put your head where it does hurt.

“For me, ducking… is not the right thing to do.”

The former defender did appear to want to say something stronger, before choosing his words carefully.

Martial had a frustrating night as a substitute. He was criticised on TNT Sports commentary for dropping too deep and not stretching the defence. Bruno Fernandes looked frustrated with him too, after an 87th minute chance went begging.

CBS pundit and former star Peter Schmeichel criticised him for contributing ‘nothing’ during his cameo. Now his role in Galatasaray’s second goal is under scrutiny.

That does not let Andre Onana off for his poor handling. He must still deal with the shot better, the way he spilled it over the line looked amateur-ish, rather than professional. But he was not the only one to blame, from giving away the free-kick, to a failed chance to cut it out.