Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is under scrutiny following another costly error during their recent Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen. Despite United’s 3-1 victory, thanks to Rasmus Højlund’s brilliance, Onana’s mishap remains a talking point. His misplaced pass to Matthijs de Ligt led to Pavel Sulc intercepting and setting up Matej Vydra for the opening goal. With rivals Manchester City looming, Onana’s performances have sparked debates about his role in Ruben Amorim’s system.
Recent Mistakes Raise Questions
Onana’s recent errors—including a similar incident against Nottingham Forest—have drawn criticism. In that game, a misjudged move allowed Morgan Gibbs-White’s shot to beat him, contributing to United’s 3-2 loss. Former defender Phil Jones commented that Onana “should have done better,” further intensifying the scrutiny.
However, Bruno Fernandes defended his teammate, stating: “Mistakes happen in football. We trust Andre’s qualities and believe in him. His ability to play from the back is vital for our system.”
Amorim’s System: A Risky Style
Amorim’s possession-based style depends heavily on the goalkeeper’s ability to play out from the back. While this approach can bypass pressing opponents, it also carries risks. For Viktoria Plzen’s goal, critics highlighted not just Onana but also De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez’s roles in the build-up. Owen Hargreaves remarked, “De Ligt didn’t want the ball and was too slow to react,” adding to the shared responsibility.
Comparing Onana and De Gea
Onana replaced David de Gea to fit Amorim’s tactical vision. While De Gea boasts an impressive shot-save percentage of 80% this season for Fiorentina, Onana’s passing accuracy and ability to distribute the ball give him a unique edge. Karen Carney noted, “Onana’s ball-playing skills are better than some United defenders.” His precision in passing aligns perfectly with Amorim’s demands, highlighting his potential importance.
Moving Forward
Despite recent criticism, Onana’s attributes make him integral to Amorim’s Manchester United. Trust and tactical adjustments will be crucial as United prepare for a tough Premier League clash against Manchester City.
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