Manchester United’s Stunning Late Comeback at Goodison Park
Despite being outplayed for the majority of the match, Manchester United managed to secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. The Red Devils’ late resurgence, which came after trailing for over 70 minutes, was a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit. However, the performance also laid bare some troubling issues, particularly in their defensive and goalkeeping departments. Diogo Dalot’s questionable decision-making and a lack of defensive cohesion contributed to Everton’s first goal, while the second goal highlighted recurring mistakes from new goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The Recurring Mistakes of Andre Onana
Andre Onana, the 28-year-old Cameroonian, has been a source of concern for Manchester United fans and pundits alike. In the match against Everton, his failure to securely parry the ball away led directly to the second goal, a sequence that has become all too familiar. Similar errors were made in recent matches against Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur, where Onana’s inability to manage the ball under pressure resulted in conceding goals. His most common mistakes involve failing to gather the ball cleanly or pushing it out of danger, often leaving the defense in a precarious position.
A Solid Start Followed by Major Errors
Onana initially made a strong impression in his sophomore campaign, providing a solid foundation in the goal. However, the tide turned since the arrival of Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s new goalkeeper coach. From that point onwards, Onana’s errors have become more frequent and costly. This reversal of form has raised eyebrows and sparked debates about whether Erik ten Hag’s decision to sanction a £47.2 million transfer for Onana from Inter Milan was a wise one, especially considering the decision to replace long-serving David de Gea.
Criticism from a Former Serie A Goalkeeper
Former Inter Milan goalkeeper Alberto Fontana, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via FcInterNews), has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Onana. Fontana, who has extensive experience in the role, expressed his strong dissatisfaction with Onana’s style of play. He described the current Manchester United No. 1 as a "showboat" who uses his feet excessively and often makes saves that are more for the camera than for the benefit of the team. Fontana’s stance is that Onana is more concerned with individual applause than team success, which makes him unpopular among his teammates. For Fontana, Onana’s flaws are glaring, and he finds it difficult to justify such a high transfer fee for a player who, in his view, is not at that level.
The Financial and Tactical Gambles
The significant financial outlay for Onana has come under scrutiny, with Fontana questioning the logic behind the £50 million transfer. He even humorously remarked that he wouldn’t have taken Onana for free, emphasizing the extent of his skepticism. This criticism is particularly harsh, but it highlights a broader concern about the value and fit of the player. Inter Milan, according to Fontana, made the right decision by parting ways with Onana, and it seems Manchester United is now paying the price for their major gamble. The club’s investment in the goalkeeper is under the microscope, and the performance against Everton has only added to the doubts.
Looking Ahead: Bayindir and Kobel as Potential Solutions
The situation has prompted some changes within the team. Backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has seen an increase in minutes, suggesting that the coaching staff is looking for alternatives. Moreover, Manchester United is reportedly keeping a close eye on Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund, a player who might offer a more reliable option in the summer transfer window. While Onana’s future at the club remains uncertain, the search for a more consistent goalkeeper is gaining traction. The Red Devils will need to address these defensive issues promptly to ensure they are not left vulnerable in crucial matches.
