When Manchester United parted ways with David de Gea this summer, all eyes were on who would be his replacement. Which goalkeeper would help continue Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United revolution? That man was Cameroon International Andre Onana. However, things haven’t panned out as had been hoped. We caught up with former United defender Paul Parker to discuss Onana’s start to life at Old Trafford and why he may not be to blame for his spate of errors.
In this article:
- Is Harry Maguire partly to blame for Onana’s slow start
- Maguire is being made to look better than he is
- Varane has been led by Ramos and Martinez
- Onana must play for Cameroon at AFCON
Is Harry Maguire partly to blame for Onana’s slow start
Andre Onana’s start in England has been challenging. Celebrated for his Champions League final performance, particularly for his ability with the ball at his feet, ten Hag made him a key summer transfer target. United’s desire for a goalkeeper proficient with the ball at his feet is well-known, a skill increasingly essential in top-tier football. However, while Onana has displayed his passing abilities, several mistakes leading to goals have been detrimental to United this season. Is Onana solely responsible? Parker doesn’t think so, suggesting that adapting to England and the defence in front of him is affecting Onana’s performance.
“The stats only show you how many times the ball goes into the back of the net but you have to look at the number of saves Onana has to make.”
“He’s never worked like this in Italy. It’s a different kind of goalkeeping and that’s why we’re seeing faults in his goalkeeping. It’s relentless.”
“He’s having to shift his positioning and make all kinds of decisions more consistently than he did in the Italian league.”
“United have to sit deeper now because Harry Maguire is playing and the manager has had to accept that because Maguire can’t squeeze up and he can’t run.”
“They’re trying to play out from the back but they know they can’t do it with Harry Maguire but it’s like a shy horse pulling a cart.”
“He’s very slow and very cumbersome.”
“The deeper you sit the more you’re one bad decision away from allowing the opposition to have a shot at your goal.”
Maguire is being made to look better than he is
Since the Manchester derby, ten Hag has tactically chosen to bench Raphael Varane, a four-time Champions League winner, in favour of a partnership between Harry Maguire and Johnny Evans. While Maguire’s defensive partners have varied recently, Varane has been largely sidelined and underutilised by ten Hag. Parker believes that Maguire has excelled in recent weeks because United has been defending in a low block. This strategy, he argues, plays to Maguire’s strengths but is detrimental to United in other aspects.
“Maguire is being made to look good because in the low block you’re more likely to be making blocks and heading balls away” Parker claims.
“The defence has been put under so much pressure and they’re making mistakes.”
“They did very well after the World Cup but the bad form picked up after the league cup final.”
“After that it’s been a backwards step and losing Maritnez at the start of the season didn’t help.”
“He drags people with him so they miss him.”
Varane has been led by Ramos and Martinez
United’s success last season was significantly due to the balanced partnership of Varane and Lisandro Martinez. However, this season, Martinez has been plagued by injuries, which has adversely affected ten Hag’s United team. Parker suggests that Varane, in particular, has been impacted by Martinez’s injuries. Parker goes on to state Varane was carried by his former Real Madrid team mate Sergio Ramos during their time together at Real Madrid.
“Varane has suffered without Martinez.”
“As good as Varane’s trophy and medal cabinet is at the bottom it says ‘made by Ramos because Ramos led him’.”
“When he plays without someone to lead him he looks lost.”
“Martinez is the missing link because the players know they have to give more with him on the park.”
Onana must play for Cameroon at AFCON
Regarding Onana, there are reports that the goalkeeper is contemplating not participating in the AFCON for Cameroon. He is reportedly concerned about losing his position as the first-choice goalkeeper at United. This decision could be risky for Onana, as playing for one’s country is often considered the highest honour in football.
“If he wants to play for Cameroon again I don’t think missing the African Cup of Nations is a good idea” states Parker.
“He seems like he gets very emotional when goals are scored. Top goalkeepers don’t show their emotions in that way.”
“His head goes down and that’s his heart ruling his head.”
“He has to go and represent his country. He has to. Give 100% for your country and then come back. It will be a release for him to go where he is appreciated.”
“It will be seen as though he is letting down his country so he should go and join his national team.”
