Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has issued a warning to fans: be prepared for even more risks in goal this season. The Cameroon international is approaching his second campaign at Old Trafford in confident mood, billing himself as “the best goalkeeper in the world.”
One of the primary reasons United signed Onana from Inter Milan last summer was his ability to play more expansively, passing out from the back, and even venturing outside his penalty box. While it didn’t always pay off in the early days, Onana settled in after a difficult start and played in all but one of United’s 54 games last season, culminating in the FA Cup triumph over Manchester City at Wembley.
Onana has forewarned fans that he intends to take even more gambles this season, stating, “I think it’s what you’re going to see this season because I will take a lot of risks. Be prepared because it’s going be (like that) this season, trust me!”
Andre Onana has told Manchester United fans that he is ready to take even more risks in goal in this season
The 28-year-old believes that taking risks is essential for a team like Manchester United, which needs to win consistently. “The best team in the world takes risks. Building from the back, recognising things, situations, when the opponent jumps one against one or when they press with three or with four,” Onana explained.
Onana has learned to handle the criticism at United after his shaky start, acknowledging that expectations should be high at a club of such stature. “Yes, I think six months ago I felt at home,” he said. “It’s not always easy to settle in a new country, a new league and new people around, but my teammates helped me a lot, so I’m happy.”
Onana accepts that United need to aim much higher, following a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season. “As the best club in the country, the perspective is always high,” he stated. “It’s to win everything, fight for every single game and be more consistent.”
The Cameroonian stopper endured difficult spells in his debut campaign at Old Trafford
Onana is adapting to a new goalkeeper coach, Jelle ten Rouwelaar, who has been brought in from Ajax to encourage the team to pass out from the back even more. “It’s very good, to be honest,” Onana said of the new coach. “I also had a very good relationship with Richard [Hartis], he was a really good guy and helped us a lot, especially when I came here and faced difficulties.”
Onana is confident that the team is working hard and is excited about the new signings. “I think the way my teammates are working hard every day, I’m very positive,” he concluded.