Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall has delivered his verdict on Andre Onana following a challenging week for the Manchester United goalkeeper.
After Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie, the Reds are preparing to face Newcastle in the Premier League.
The Magpies are looking to record their first league double over the Red Devils since the 1930/31 campaign and they’re currently on a three-game winning run.
Eddie Howe’s side are pushing for a place in the top four as they attempt to qualify for the Champions League, after missing out on a place in this year’s competition.
United go into the game with one eye on next week’s second leg against Lyon. Ruben Amorim has a new main objective for the end of the season, which is to win the Europa League to secure a spot in the Champions League.
Jason Tindall has his say on Andre Onana
Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall took media responsibilities on Friday because Eddie Howe is feeling unwell. It remains to be seen if the Magpies boss will be well enough to be in the dugout on Sunday.
During the press briefing, Tindall defended Andre Onana after he was labelled the worst goalkeeper in United’s history.
That comment came from former United midfielder Nemanja Matic after Onana said the Red Devils were “better than” Lyon ahead of their first-leg clash. This prompted Matic to lambast the Cameroonian goalkeeper ahead of the match.
Onana went on to endure a nightmare evening in Lyon as the two teams played out a 2-2 draw.
Matic, who didn’t come off the bench, had the last laugh as Onana committed howlers for both of Lyon’s goals. The first goal saw Onana allow Thiago Almada’s free-kick to evade him – and everyone else – into the back of the net. He made another mistake in stoppage time for Rayan Cherki’s late equaliser.
Ahead of United’s trip to St. James’ Park, Newcastle assistant Tindall stated that he disagreed with Matic’s comments.
“I wouldn’t say that,” Tindall told reporters. “I wouldn’t say that at all. I think he’s a top goalkeeper. And like every player, you know, every player on the football pitch makes mistakes and I think he’s no different to anybody else but we’re not looking at it that way.
“I’ve seen him deliver some top performances in goal for Man United but I certainly wouldn’t agree with those comments myself.”
Tindall shares verdict on Manchester United
Newcastle will be trying to take advantage of United’s inconsistency when the two teams meet on Sunday.
Tindall sees it as one of the biggest fixtures on Newcastle’s annual calendar and they are expecting a fantastic atmosphere at St James’ Park.
“I think any team that play against Man United and Arsenal and Liverpool is a big game and obviously Newcastle is a huge club themselves,” Tindall added.
“And there’s always been that rivalry there between Newcastle and Man United.
“They’re the type of games, as a player and as a coach and manager, you want to be involved in. We know it’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere at St James’ Park, it always is when we play against Man United. And it’s down to us to go and deliver a performance that wins us the game.
“They’re a good side, they’ve only lost one in their last six so they’re certainly a different side to the one that we faced at Old Trafford. We know we need to be at our best to deliver a performance that does it.”
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