In modern football, a good goalkeeper needs comfortable with the ball at his feet just as well as being an excellent shot-stopper. Andre Onana of Manchester United is all of these, and he’s also very vocal about how he wants his defenders to play.
Frequent communication with the back line is inevitable for a goalkeeper like Andre Onana, who likes to be involved in the team buildup. Onana has communicated his intentions to Harry Maguire in the pre-season game against Dortmund in a rather unconventional way, which sparked many comments.
Andre Onana discusses fiery Harry Maguire exchange
Andre Onana joined Manchester United in the 2023 transfer window as a replacement for David De Gea, and since then, he has made his presence felt at the back line.
De Gea was an established first-team player for Manchester United during his 12 seasons at the club. Though a Manchester United legend and an excellent shot-stopper, the 32-year-old Spanish goalkeeper had a limitation with the use of his feet. He could not properly distribute the ball, thereby encouraging a counter-press from the opponent.
Erik Ten Hag sought to add Andre Onana to the team during the transfer window, and he got his wish. Among other qualities, the 27-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper has the tendency to be very vocal in his communication with teammates.
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It was all level in the pre-season game against Dortmund when Andre Onana was brought on as a second-half substitute. In an attempt to play out of Manchester United’s half, Harry Maguire misplaced a pass that a Dortmund player utilized perfectly. A shot was struck perfectly at the goal, and it took Andre Onana’s goalkeeping masterpiece to stop it.
After Onana made this incredible save, he charged straight at Harry Maguire, yelling some inaudible words to viewers. Onana, in his post-match interview, was asked why he yelled at Harry Maguire and what exactly he yelled at him. As observed by Goal, Onana said the following;
“I demand a lot of my teammates because also they demand a lot, they trust in me. They play a lot of balls back to me, so I have to give them confidence, and I want my players to give them to me to give me confidence. I demand [from] them a lot, and I will demand from them a lot because they are great players. For me, it’s a big honor to play with these defenders. With [Lisandro] Martinez, and Harry, they are doing great things. They are important players for the club. I’m very happy to be part of this team; playing with them is great.”
Maguire reportedly inching towards United exit door
Harry Maguire’s £80 million move to Manchester United has been criticized by fans, pundits, and other football observers worldwide. In the opinion of many, he has not lived up to expectations at Manchester United.
The 29-year-old English defender has been Manchester United’s captain until recently when Erik Ten Hag stripped him of his captaincy. This incident sparked more rumours about Harry Maguire’s departure despite his comments regarding staying at the club and fighting for his position.
Andre Onana’s post-match comments reveal that his outburst at Harry Maguire during the Dortmund match was no cause for alarm, as it is necessary for players to demand some responsibility from their teammates. He further added that he expects the same from them.
How successful do you think Andre Onana’s stint at Manchester United will be? Make sure to let us know your opinions in the comments section.
