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Manchester United’s Struggles and Onana’s Performance Under Scrutiny
Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, recently acknowledged that he has made more mistakes this season than his struggling goalkeeper, Andre Onana. This admission comes in the wake of Onana being blamed for both goals in a frustrating 2-2 draw with Lyon in the Europa League, a result that has intensified scrutiny on both the player and the coaching staff.
Just a day before the match, former Manchester United player Nemanja Matic critiqued Onana’s performance, labeling him as “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s history. This statement reflects growing concerns over Onana’s capabilities, especially given that he has registered eight errors that led to goals in all competitions since last season—the highest tally among all Premier League goalkeepers.
Despite the mounting pressure and criticism directed at Onana, Amorim defended his goalkeeper, stating, “If you look at the season, I’ve made more mistakes than them during these last games and during these last months.” His recognition of accountability showcases a desire to foster a supportive environment for players facing adversity.
Amorim elaborated on his strategy moving forward, emphasizing, “There’s nothing I can say to Andre in this moment that will help him, so the most important thing is to be natural and then when the time comes I will choose the best XI to play. But I’m really confident in Andre.” This confidence is crucial as the team prepares for the second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford, scheduled for next Thursday at 20:00 BST.
The current predicament for Manchester United is serious; sitting 13th in the Premier League, their best chance of securing European football for the next season relies on winning the Europa League—a route that also guarantees a place in the Champions League. As the team navigates through this challenging period, Amorim’s faith in his players, including Onana, will be tested in the matches to come.
Ultimately, the road ahead requires a combination of resilience and strategy from both the coaching staff and the players as they aim to turn their season around amidst increasing expectations and pressure.
Source
www.bbc.com