Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his unwavering support for goalkeeper Andre Onana, despite the Cameroonian’s challenging start at the club. Onana, signed during the summer from Inter Milan for his ball-playing abilities, has faced criticism for conceding 19 goals in 11 appearances across all competitions.
The goalkeeper’s shot-stopping has been called into question, prompting former Man United players such as Peter Schmeichel and Roy Keane to voice concerns. However, Ten Hag has emphasized the need for patience, referencing the initial struggles experienced by former United keepers Schmeichel and David de Gea. He expressed his belief that Onana has the potential to deliver strong performances, given his past accomplishments at renowned clubs like Barcelona and Ajax.
Despite the underwhelming start, Ten Hag has placed his trust in Onana, dispelling rumors of a potential switch to the club’s number two goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir. Bayindir was brought in from Fenerbahce over the summer as a backup following Dean Henderson’s departure to Crystal Palace.
Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Sheffield United holds considerable importance, with Onana expected to be under increased scrutiny. Ten Hag’s reassurance serves as a vote of confidence for the goalkeeper, encouraging him to draw inspiration from the experiences of former greats and focus on delivering improved performances for the team.
Ten Hag also addressed other topics ahead of the fixture. He spoke about the team’s recent victory over Brentford, highlighting the squad’s unity and determination. Additionally, he emphasized the versatility of Bruno Fernandes, who has had to adapt to various positions due to the team’s injury concerns.
Furthermore, Ten Hag provided updates on the team’s injury situation, confirming the availability of Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon, and Sofyan Amrabat for the upcoming match. Varane, who missed the last fixture due to a minor issue, has recovered and is set to start against Sheffield United. Reguilon, who has been sidelined with a hamstring problem, is also expected to feature, while Amrabat’s return is vital in light of Casemiro’s absence due to a minor injury.
With a strong lineup and renewed support for Onana, Manchester United will aim to secure a victory against Sheffield United, and climb up the Premier League table.
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