da bwin： Andre Onana says he is happy to take criticism “bullets” from former Manchester United stars, with Harry Maguire being used as a role model.
da dobrowin： Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Testing debut campaign at Old TraffordHas played his way back into formConfident that next season will be betterGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The Cameroon international goalkeeper is approaching the end of what has been a testing debut campaign at Old Trafford, with just an FA Cup final clash with arch-rivals Manchester City to come. His form has improved throughout the season, but a steady stream of uncomfortable questions have been faced along the way.
AdvertisementWHAT ONANA SAID
Plenty with strong ties to the Red Devils haven taken aim at Onana this term, following an error-strewn start to life in English football, but he has told of dealing with detractors: “For me, I don’t pay attention to it. I have come into this team to take bullets, because we are under construction – at the moment, we are not the best. We have other teams who are doing better than us and we have to be honest and recognize that. If things and when things are going wrong, don’t go for the youngest player – I'm here to take it, Bruno [Fernandes], Casemiro and Harry [Maguire] are there and we are used to it. When it’s people who were sitting where I’m sitting, who won everything, sometimes it’s bizarre – we are in the same boat. We try to follow your thing and what you did. For me, I don’t mind, but other people may be affected. For me, to be honest, it’s just a part of the game.”
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Onana is not the first to come under fire, with England international Maguire finding himself in a similar position before being stripped of the captaincy at United. Onana added on looking to the no-nonsense centre-half for inspiration: “I’ll tell you a small example. I have Harry in the dressing room. When you see what he went through. What Harry faced, it was terrifying. He’s a big man, he showed a lot of character – now he’s back and he’s one of the best we have. It’s important to look at this kind of example, because he passed through a difficult situation. Now he’s back and we move forward. I’m happy because we have good people around us, especially at this club, who helped me so much. That’s why I’m still smiling – because the first six months were difficult, but at the same time, it was a good moment to learn. After playing the final of the Champions League and the final of the Europa League, you think you are the best – life gives you an opportunity to learn, and says ‘You are never too big’. Especially football – it's about momentum. You can have a good season, next year you have a bad season, but the year after an amazing season. The ups and downs and being here, you have to deal with them – especially being a goalkeeper. Not only because I’m coming from Inter, but also because many great goalkeepers have passed [at Manchester United]. Not only David de Gea, but also Edwin van der Sar, Peter Schmeichel – they have done a lot of things for this club. Also, you guys [Gary Neville and teammates] – you have done a lot for this club. When I wear the United jersey, it is heavy – but for me, that is extra motivation because you guys were fantastic. You won everything, and we have to try to do similar, even if it’s not easy at the moment.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ONANA?
Onana is convinced that the 2024-25 campaign will be better for United – on the back of an eighth-placed finish this term – and believes that a Premier League title challenge could be pieced together if the Red Devils find a way to play at their full potential on a consistent basis.