Andre Onana takes full responsibility after conceding from 40 yards vs Lens, his mentality is elite
Andre Onana has been praised for showing ‘elite mentality’ after the Manchester United goalkeeper conceded from 40 yards in a pre-season clash against RC Lens.
It was an afternoon of mixed fortunes for Onana. Like he has on numerous occasions in pre-season, the 27-year-old looked comfortable when playing out from the back, delivering 45 passes with an overall accuracy of 87 per cent
He also completed eight long passes on his Old Trafford debut – a stat that will no doubt encourage United fans.
But all that good work was overshadowed when Lens forward Florian Sotoca capitalised on some aggressive positioning. After picking up the ball from a sloppy Diogo Dalot pass, Sotoca put Lens ahead with a perfectly-weighted chip.
Onana impressed on United’s pre-season tour of America, especially during his debut against Real Madrid, where he showed off his pinpoint distribution and composure on numerous occasions.
But some have criticised the former Cameroon international for his role in Lens’ opener on Saturday afternoon.
That being said, Onana has taken responsibility for conceding against the Ligue 1 side by saying he will “take all the criticism and pressure” when United concede.
“I’m happy for the win. Of course we can always be better,” he told MUTV after the full-time whistle. “Some things we have to try to fix. Like I always say, I am responsible for everything especially when we concede goals.
“I’m the big man at the back so I take all the criticism, all the pressure on me. It was a great game for me and for the guys, some important goals and I’m happy for everything.”
Unreal mentality from our goalkeeper, no excuses at all, taking responsibility for his actions to cement his status as the ‘big man at the back.’
Since taking responsibility for conceding the goal on Saturday, fans have compared Onana’s comments to an interview given by former number one David De Gea in January.
After being criticised for his performances in a United shirt, De Gea said: “I have nothing to prove. I have already showed my qualities for many years. I know people love to talk but I’m used to that.
“I’m just performing as well as I can, helping the team and trying my best all the time.”
Onana would later speak about the reception he received from the Old Trafford crowd.
“I am so happy for my debut,” he said. “But the most important thing was the victory. [The fans during the warm-up] was a great welcome for me. I am happy for the victory, today was important and now we get ready for the coming games.”
He added on next week’s Premier League opener against Wolves “I think this year will be great. I am very excited for the coming games. I’m already excited for Wolves, but we will have to prepare well because it’s not going to be easy.
“Everybody is working hard and I’m very confident and positive everything will be right if we do the right things.”
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HERE WE GO: Man united set to announce their 5th signing tomorrow after reaching verbal agreement today – deal expected to be Done tomorrow morning
Manchester United are expected to formalize their interest in Sofyan Amrabat by launching an opening bid for Fiorentina star.
Having already secured an agreement with Atlanata over a transfer fee for Rasmus Hojlund, United are set to engage in decisive talks for their fourth potential signing of the summer.
As per Football Insider, the representatives of the Morocco international have travelled to Manchester. If multiple reports are to be believed, the terms between United and Amrabat are already agreed and all that remains is his signature on dotted lines.
United are also expected to lodge a bid “immediately”. Fiorentina are asking around £30m for their prized asset, who they acquired for £17m from Hellas Verona in January 2020.
At that fee, the Moroccan midfield gladiator will represent a solid addition to Erik ten Hag’s ranks due to his technical and physical qualities as well as versatility that allows him to operate across different areas of midfield.
Most importantly, the Dutch coach is well aware of the 26-year-old’s talents, having worked with him at FC Utrecht around six years ago.
The former Ajax boss has relied heavily on his past experience and connections to shape his recruitment strategy at Old Trafford. Lisandro Martinez, Antony, and Andre Onana had all already thrived under him in Amsterdam before moving to Manchester.
While there’s no doubt Ten Hag will be looking forward to yet another reunion, the deal for Amrabat could be complicated by United’s failure to sell their existing stars.
Fred has been made available for sale by United, and his permanent exit would certainly soothe United’s Financial Fair Play concerns.
However, as per Fabrizio Romano, Galatasaray – the club that has shown the most interest in the Brazilian midfielder so far this summer – are now considering making a move for Tanguy Ndombele, as the 32-year-old’s transfer deal “looks complicated” and is currently in “standby”.
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Rio Ferdinand sends a transfer notice to Manchester United after Rasmus Hojlund’s move is confirmed
The 20-year-old was displayed at Old Trafford as Manchester United’s third major signing ahead of Saturday’s pre-season friendly against RC Lens.
Rusmus Hojlund is unveiled to Manchester United fans at Old Trafford
Rio Ferdinand has praised Manchester United’s “efficient” work in the transfer market after confirming the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund has been unveiled as a United player ahead of Saturday’s pre-season friendly against RC Lens at Old Trafford. The 20-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months following the £72million deal with Atalanta.
United will initially pay £64m with £8m in possible add-ons. The Danish international is Erik ten Hag’s third major signing. Spending this summer exceeds £160m.
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Mason Mount arrived from Chelsea early last month while Andre Onana joined his new teammates in the United States two weeks ago. Ten Hag has now closed his side’s three biggest gaps, with more than a week to go until the Premier League season begins and Ferdinand insists that’s a lot.
“He’s signed! Rasmus Hojlund has signed for Manchester United,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube show FIVE. “Great signing. I’m really happy with this.
“Young, hungry striker with huge potential. He can build now. Manchester United’s approach and execution in this transfer window has been a huge step in the right direction for me. It was decisive, fast, efficient.
“They had clear goals and they got all three what they wanted. They wanted Mason Mount, they went early and got him. They wanted Onana, a new goalkeeper, they went and got him. They wanted a new striker, they got what they wanted. .”
Hojlund is expected to miss the first few weeks of the new season after experiencing a “small problem” during pre-season with Atalanta. The striker traveled to London for thorough checks on Thursday after concerns were raised during the first part of his medical.
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