Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana recently discussed his thoughts on manager Erik ten Hag, shedding light on why he chooses not to publicly endorse the Dutchman despite acknowledging his coaching abilities.
Onana, who joined United from Inter Milan last summer, initially faced challenges establishing himself as the club’s number one goalkeeper, encountering notable errors in the Champions League group stage. However, he has since showcased consistency, earning praise for his distribution and shot-stopping skills.
Despite Onana’s commendations of Ten Hag’s managerial prowess in a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, he refrains from overtly supporting him in public.
He attributes this decision to the fickle nature of football, where past performances, both good and bad, often overshadow present achievements. Onana acknowledges Ten Hag as a proficient manager but feels that the latter’s reputation speaks for itself, requiring no additional validation from him.
United’s season has been marred by inconsistency, with promising victories often followed by disappointing results. This pattern mirrors their encounter with Bournemouth, where they went from defeating Chelsea to succumbing to a 3-0 defeat at home to the Cherries just days later.
The team’s rollercoaster ride continued with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, where they led until conceding a late penalty to Mohamed Salah.
While some might view the draw against Liverpool as a positive outcome, Onana and his teammates see it as two valuable points dropped, further denting their hopes of securing Champions League qualification for the following season.
The recent string of matches has highlighted defensive vulnerabilities within Ten Hag’s squad, evidenced by the alarming number of shots conceded.
This defensive fragility was evident in their match against Bournemouth, where they allowed 12 shots in the first half alone, resulting in the Cherries taking a 2-1 lead before Bruno Fernandes equalized from the penalty spot.
Such lapses underscore the challenges facing Ten Hag as he strives to maintain consistency and secure favorable results for United.
Onana’s cautious stance regarding public endorsements of Ten Hag reflects the pragmatic mindset prevalent in elite football circles. While acknowledging the manager’s capabilities, Onana remains cognizant of the transient nature of success and the relentless scrutiny that accompanies it.
As United navigates the remaining fixtures of the season, Onana’s steadfast performances in goal will be crucial in determining the team’s fate and shaping perceptions of Ten Hag’s managerial tenure at Old Trafford.
