André Onana’s tenure at Old Trafford has come under intense scrutiny, marked by notable errors against Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and a crucial mistake in a narrow 2-1 victory over Brentford. Despite the initial anticipation that the 27-year-old would seamlessly succeed David de Gea as Manchester United’s long-term goalkeeper after his £50 million transfer from Inter, Onana has failed to establish himself as the reliable figure fans had hoped for.
The transfer itself was viewed as advantageous for a cash-strapped Inter, having acquired Onana on a free transfer from Ajax just a year prior. The significant funds from his sale enabled Inter to make strategic signings such as Yann Sommer and Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich.
Given Onana’s struggles, Inter’s CEO, Marotta, has openly discussed the possibility of a return to San Siro, recognizing the success of their previous collaboration with the player. The goalkeeper’s inconsistent performances have become a major talking point early in the season, contributing to Manchester United’s overall disappointing form.
Having already lost four matches in the Premier League and securing only a narrow win against Brentford, Manchester United has failed to earn any points in their Champions League outings.
Peter Schmeichel, a legendary United goalkeeper, has shared insights from his conversations with Onana. Schmeichel emphasized the crucial advice of bouncing back from errors and maintaining focus in the high-pressure environment of Manchester United. The former goalkeeper stressed the need for Onana to compartmentalize mistakes and remain mentally strong to prevent a negative impact on the team’s trust and overall performance.
Onana’s early struggles at Manchester United have not only drawn attention but have also sparked discussions about a potential return to Inter. The goalkeeper now faces the daunting challenge of regaining both form and confidence to live up to the expectations placed upon him as the team’s new primary goalkeeper. His journey to overcome these hurdles will undoubtedly shape the narrative of his time at Old Trafford and determine whether he can successfully navigate the demanding environment of one of the world’s most prominent football clubs.
