Andre Onana has conceded 22 goals in nine appearances so far this season (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United’s opponents have identified a huge flaw in Andre Onana’s goalkeeping style that has already been exploited regularly during the opening weeks of the season.
Erik ten Hag’s decision to ruthlessly oust club legend David de Gea and replace him with Onana was always likely to be the subject of intense scrutiny, especially given the long-serving Spaniard’s reputation as one the best shot stoppers in world football.
The decision to recruit Onana was largely based on the belief that he would accelerate his manager’s plan to build a team capable of playing out from the back.
And while there has been limited evidence of Onana being comfortable enough in possession to represent a major upgrade on De Gea in that regard, of more concern has been the number of soft goals he has conceded.
After Galatasaray left Old Trafford with a shock 3-2 victory on Tuesday night, a result which left United’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League in serious jeopardy, Onana has now conceded a total of 22 goals in just nine appearances.
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According to the Telegraph, opposition analysts have observed that Onana has a habit of retreating towards his goal as attacks build, failing to narrow down angles and effectively making the target for strikers to aim at larger.
A such, rivals are instructing their players to shoot as early as possible at the United goalkeeper and that tactic has already proved successful for the likes of Brighton, Bayern Munich and Galatasaray in recent weeks.
Despite the error-strewn start he has made to his United career, Ten Hag’s faith in a player he coached during his time in charge of Ajax is unwavering.
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Indeed, Onana is said to have been the only goalkeeper the Dutchman considered signing once a decision on De Gea’s future had been made and it is why Ten Hag was so insistent that United met Inter’s £47million valuation.
Asked if he would consider dropping Onana ahead of Saturday’s game against Brentford, Ten Hag said: ‘He can be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
‘We have seen already his great capabilities and also his personality.He will make a mistake and bounce back, and will do so again, I am sure.’
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