Despite Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Brighton on Sunday, which concluded their season, Erik ten Hag’s team has experienced a disappointing overall performance this year. Even with the win, United fell to ninth place in the Premier League standings, marking their lowest position ever in the competition.
However, United still has an opportunity to secure European football next season if they manage to defeat Manchester City in the upcoming FA Cup final on Saturday. The previous season under Ten Hag showed significant progress for United, but this year has seen a noticeable decline.
Throughout this challenging season, both Ten Hag and several of his players have faced harsh criticism from fans, former players, and pundits alike. Among the scrutinized players is goalkeeper Andre Onana, who transferred from Inter Milan for £47.2 million last summer and has had a season marked by mixed performances.
In a recent interview on Sky Bet’s “The Overlap,” Onana addressed the criticism he and his teammates have received from former players. He mentioned that while he tends to ignore such criticisms, he is concerned about the potential impact on younger players. Onana, 28, expressed a preference for shouldering the criticism himself, alongside other senior members of the squad, to protect the newer and younger players.
Onana stated, “I don’t give it any thought. We are not the greatest right now; we are still building. I have come into this squad to take bullets.” He emphasized the importance of honesty in recognizing that other teams are currently performing better than Manchester United. He urged critics not to focus on the newest players when the team struggles, pointing out that experienced players like Harry Maguire, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes are equipped to handle such pressure and criticism.
He continued, “Sometimes it’s strange because we are in the same boat as the ones who won everything and were seated where I am. We make an effort to emulate your actions. Although it might not bother me, it might have an impact on others. To be honest, I just view it as a component of the game.”
Onana’s comments reflect a sense of responsibility and a protective stance towards his younger teammates, highlighting the psychological impact that criticism can have on emerging players. He recognizes the legacy and success of former Manchester United greats and acknowledges the pressure that comes with playing for a club with such a storied history. Despite the criticism, he remains focused on the collective effort required to improve the team and is willing to take on the brunt of the negative feedback to allow his teammates, especially the less experienced ones, to develop and perform without undue pressure.
Overall, Onana’s remarks underscore the transitional phase Manchester United is undergoing and his commitment to supporting his teammates through this period of rebuilding and striving for better performances in the future.
