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Andre Onana’s start to life as a Manchester United player was far from smooth, with huge errors in the Champions League causing the Red Devils to crash out in the group stages last season.
The Cameroonian was expected to come into his own in his sophomore campaign, but things have been far from smooth with the shot-stopper continuing his trend of making high-profile mistakes both in Europe and in the Premier League.
Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic had termed him the worst keeper in the club’s history, with many pundits opining that Ruben Amorim must let him go in the summer.
Exit rumours have multiplied in recent weeks but the head coach has continued to back him while his teammates and former legends have also offered their support.
Van der Gaag offers support
Now, former assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag, who along with former boss Erik ten Hag brought the Cameroon international to the club, said the job of a goalkeeper at United was the hardest and Onana, like all other United players, has not performed to the best of his ability this term.
“It’s an emotional rollercoaster [being a goalkeeper for United],” he told BBC. “That’s what I think looking from the outside now but from last year’s experience as well.”
“Then you need results as well. Coaches, players need results. You need consistency from the team. I already knew Andre from Ajax and he’s a good goalkeeper. He showed that at Inter as well.”
But he backed the 29-year-old to come good. The Dutchman claimed that the former Ajax star had shown his mental fortitude to come back from low points earlier in his career as well and he is confident that shot-stopper can do the same now.
Backed Onana to come good
“We cannot forget the impact Man Utd has on everyone. That criticism is there, excellence is expected and players have to deal with that. The other part is that there will always be comparisons.
“He is under pressure and scrutiny but he has overcome many challenges in his career before. At the start of last season, everyone was saying he was United’s best and most consistent player so it can change quickly.”
The Peoples Person has relayed that given Amorim’s need to strengthen up top, there might not be too much budget left over for goalkeeping reinforcements.
That means the United No 1 is safe for now but he must improve in order to prolong his United career.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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