Andre Onana, the Manchester United goalkeeper, proved his credentials on Sunday. He made his ninth Premier League clean sheet of the season in a turgid derby stalemate with Manchester City. Following the match, Onana addressed the media with a confident demeanor, reflecting on his performance and recent criticisms from former teammate Nemanja Matic.
Onana, who joined United from Inter Milan for approximately £47 million, has quickly established himself as a pivotal player for the team. In his debut season, he helped guide United to an FA Cup victory against Manchester City under manager Erik ten Hag, further solidifying his place in the club’s history.
A Confident Stance
After the draw with City, Onana was positive about Inter’s prospects in the coming games. He insisted there’s no concern that they’re focused too much on the outside noise and not enough on the game. “It’s a very good team. We know some of them but I don’t think we have to focus on them. It’s less about them, what they’re going to build, it’s more about us, what we’re going to do,” he said.
At a decisive hour, his faith in justice is unleashed. The team currently sits at 13th place, and with only seven matches left in this season. Onana is a past master at keeping clean sheets. As the season wears on, that volley of declarative rhetoric may come under increasing fire.
Responding to Criticism
Onana’s comments came in response to Matic’s recent remarks, where the former United midfielder labeled him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.” Matic’s remarks set off a dramatic war of words between the two players. In reply, Onana wholeheartedly praised himself and his achievements while at the club.
“When you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man Utd’s history, you need to take care with what you’re talking about… If De Gea, or Peter Schmeichel or Van der Sar say that, I will question myself but when you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s modern history, you need to show up first before you say that.” – Nemanja Matic
In his response, Onana echoed Matic by highlighting the absence of silverware in the Serbian’s time at Old Trafford. He emphasized his own success, stating, “At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”
This exchange truly represented Onana’s defensive brilliance on the field. It illuminated his fierce drive to succeed and silence his critics away from the field.
Looking Ahead
As Manchester United approach a hectic October schedule with key Premier League and Champions League fixtures upcoming, Onana’s positivity will be important to improve squad morale. Since taking over as United’s starting keeper with the 2022-23 season, he has been an ever-present rock in the lineup. His performance against Manchester City showcases what makes him dangerous, not to mention the lengths he’s willing to go to help his team.
Regardless of what Matic has to say, what’s most important is that Onana is still intent on developing his game and setting an example for youth. The goalkeeper has made it clear that he respects all clubs and their players, stating, “I would never be disrespectful to another club.” This point of view reflects his commitment to his job at Manchester United and professionalism.
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