Andre Onana (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Andre Onana has become a divisive figure at Manchester United, with inconsistent displays, media scrutiny, and public spats shaping his controversial time at the club.
When Andre Onana arrived at Manchester United from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, he was expected to be a modern upgrade on long-time No. 1 David De Gea. A ball-playing goalkeeper with Champions League pedigree, Onana was brought in to fit Erik ten Hag’s tactical vision. But less than a year into his stay, he finds himself at the centre of fierce debate.
The Cameroonian's time at United has been marked by inconsistency, especially in high-stakes matches. Despite flashes of brilliance, costly errors in both the Premier League and Champions League have undermined his credibility. From mistakes against Bayern Munich to nervy showings in the league, every performance is closely scrutinised, often leading to harsh criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Most recently, his comments after the 2-2 Europa League draw with Lyon, where he claimed United had been the better team, sparked a public rebuke from Nemanja Matic, who said: "When you're one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history, you should be careful with your words."
This verbal spat not only intensified media attention but also triggered a wave of support in his native Cameroon, with the country’s footballers’ union Synafoc defending him and denouncing the attacks as the work of “petty individuals.”
But why does Onana remain so divisive?
Some see him as a scapegoat for broader structural issues at United, pointing to the team's defensive fragility and managerial instability. Others argue that his bold playing style, while high-risk, reflects the direction modern football is heading — and that he's simply a victim of adjustment pressure in one of the most demanding clubs in the world.
Moreover, Onana’s outspoken nature and on-pitch body language have occasionally rubbed fans the wrong way. Unlike De Gea, who was quieter and more reserved, Onana often directs teammates vocally and wears his emotions visibly — a trait that earns him admiration from some and scepticism from others.
As United prepare for a crucial return leg against Lyon in the Europa League, and with Champions League qualification slipping out of reach in the league, the spotlight on Onana is only growing stronger.
One thing is clear: whether he emerges as a redemption story or a transfer flop, Andre Onana won’t go unnoticed at Manchester United.
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Written by Klemen Kos , football journalist with 20 years of experience.
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