André Onana has come under intense scrutiny following a rocky start at Old Trafford, marked by errors against Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and a notable mistake in a 2-1 win over Brentford. Expected to be Manchester United’s long-term goalkeeper after a nearly £50 million deal from Inter, the 27-year-old has not lived up to fans’ expectations.
His transfer to United was seen as beneficial for cash-strapped Inter, who had acquired him on a free transfer from Ajax just a year prior. The funds from his sale enabled Inter to make signings like Yann Sommer and Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich.
Amid Onana’s struggles, Inter’s CEO, Marotta, acknowledged the possibility of a return to San Siro, citing their successful history with the player. Onana’s inconsistent performances have been a major talking point early in the season, contributing to Manchester United’s disappointing form, losing four matches in the Premier League and gaining zero points in the Champions League.
United’s legendary goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel, revealed conversations with Onana, offering advice on bouncing back from errors and maintaining focus in the high-pressure environment. Schmeichel stressed the importance of compartmentalizing mistakes and staying mentally strong to prevent a negative impact on the team’s trust and performance.
Onana’s early struggles have sparked discussions about a potential return to Inter, as he faces the challenge of regaining form and confidence to meet the expectations placed on him as the team’s new primary goalkeeper. The goalkeeper’s performance is crucial not only for his individual success but also for Manchester United’s overall trajectory in the competitions they are part of this season.