Tim Howard says he was ‘utterly shocked’ to hear comments from one Manchester United player, he has ‘brilliant ability’

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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard has admitted his surprise at hearing Andre Onana’s desire to take more risks this season.

Andre Onana is in his second season at Manchester United and is full of confidence – and willing to take a few risks.

The Cameroon international was quoted via The Telegraph: “That’s me, and I think it’s what you’re going to see this season because I will take a lot of risks.

“I can tell you in advance already! Be prepared because it’s going to be this season, trust me! I will enjoy it even more when this season starts.”

• READ MORE: Who is Andre Onana? Delve into the life of Manchester United’s Cameroonian shot-stopper

Tim Howard on Andre Onana

Former USA international Tim Howard has told NBC Sports he was taken aback by Andre Onana’s comments.

He explained that he thinks Onana should be simplifying his game and focusing on improving his shot stopping.

Howard said: “I’m rarely surprised at things in football, I was utterly shocked to hear Onana say ‘be prepared I will take a lot more risks this season’.

“He conceded 58 goals, that number has to come down, he can ill-afford to make too many mistakes.

“Some of the goals that went past him were very, very saveable. The fact he’s willing to take more risks I guess is exciting and compelling, I wasn’t convinced last year, but right now he has a lot to prove.

“He has brilliant ability but he hasn’t put that into place and too many goals are going in that need to be saved.”

Onana making improvements

Andre Onana’s start at Manchester United was a shaky one, particularly in the Champions League.

In the second half of the season he was arguably United’s most improved player, and demonstrated why he was chosen as an upgrade on David de Gea.

Onana was excellent in United’s season opening win over Fulham, claiming crosses, and spectacularly keeping out a long range effort from Kenny Tete.

United’s improved defence, led by a fit-again Lisandro Martinez, will enable Onana’s plan to play out from the back to work more effectively.

His comments may have caused some head-scratching, but this is part of the style that Onana brings, and he makes clear he is doing so for the good of the team, not the detriment.

Onana elaborated: “The best teams in the world take risks. Building from the back, recognise things, situations, when the opponent jumps one against one, or when they press with three or with four.

“So, for me, it’s important to recognise those kinds of things and make the best decision for the team. I will take a lot of responsibility and I think my back is huge to carry it all. I think it’s going to be nice this season.”