After conceding from 40 yards in a preseason match against RC Lens, Andre Onana of Manchester United has been complimented for displaying a “elite mentality.”
Onana’s afternoon was filled with good and bad luck. The 27-year-old, who played out from the back on multiple occasions throughout preseason, seemed at ease while completing 45 passes with an overall accuracy of 87 percent.
On his Old Trafford debut, he also executed eight long passes, which will undoubtedly inspire United supporters.
But when Lens attacker Florian Sotoca took advantage of some aggressive positioning, all that hard effort was overshadowed. Sotoca gave Lens the lead with a brilliantly weighted chip after receiving the ball from a clumsy Diogo Dalot pass.
Onana made an impression during United’s preseason tour of America, particularly during his competitive debut against Real Madrid, where he frequently displayed his precise delivery and poise.
However, the former Cameroon international has drawn criticism for his contribution to Lens’ Saturday afternoon opener.
Onana has said that he is to blame for United’s loss to the Ligue 1 team and that he will “take all the criticism and pressure” that comes with it.
“I appreciate the victory. Of sure, we can always improve, he said to MUTV following the full-time horn. “There are some issues we need to work on. I am accountable for everything, as I constantly say, especially when we allow goals.
“Since I’m the big guy in the rear, I take all the pressure and criticism. I’m pleased with everything because it was a terrific game for me and the players and there were some significant goals.
Below, you can see the entire post-game interview with Onana.
Since accepting blame for the Saturday goal, Onana’s remarks have drawn comparisons to an interview given by former number one David De Gea in January.
“I’m just doing the best job I can, supporting the team, and always giving it my all.”
Later, Onana would talk about the support he got from the Old Trafford crowd.
I’m really excited for my debut, he exclaimed. “But the triumph was what mattered most. For me, [the fans during the warm-up] were a wonderful welcome. I’m glad we won; today was significant, and now we can focus on getting ready for the upcoming contests.
In addition, he mentioned Wolves’ Premier League debut the following week. I believe this year will be fantastic. I am quite eager for the upcoming matches. Although I’m already anticipating Wolves, we will need to be well-prepared because it won’t be simple.
Everyone is working hard, and I am sure and certain that everything will work out if we follow the appropriate procedures.
