Ten Hag compares Onana with three goalkeepers after Man Utd star's "mistakes"

01 December 2023 , 22:30

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Ten Hag compares Onana with three goalkeepers after Man Utd star's "mistakes"

Erik ten Hag insists Andre Onana has the backing of his Manchester United team-mates – despite his latest high-profile mistakes.

Onana made two howlers in the Champions League in midweek, as United twice surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Galatasaray in Istanbul. Despite those costly blunders, Onana will keep his place for Saturday's trip to Newcastle, with Ten Hag claiming United's players remain behind the Cameroon star.

Ten Hag also rejected the suggestion he has a blind spot and is too loyal to Onana, whom he signed for £47.2million from Inter Milan in the summer. Asked if United's players could lose confidence in Onana, Ten Hag said: “No, that will not happen. This dressing room is together.

“Football is a game of mistakes and everyone can make mistakes. But this team has to cover that, so we will operate. Players always need trust. After Allison, Andre is the best stopper in the league in preventing expected goals – so you deserve to play.

“Nobody is undroppable, that is also clear. But we have a strong belief that he will help us win trophies.” Asked if it could help Onana by taking him out of the firing line, Ten Hag said: “It won’t help him.

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Andre Onana has come under fire after several costly mistakes for Manchester United (Getty Images)

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“In the Champions League, he has so much experience, with Ajax and last year with Inter Milan. Last year he was, with [Manuel] Neuer and [Thibaut Courtois], the best goalkeeper, so he's a great keeper.

“He has the potential, so we have to work on him so that he does it consistently and we will work with him and we will support him. The manager, coaches and players all support him.”

Onana was bought primarily for his ability to play out from the back, but Ten Hag rejected the suggestion that comes with an accepted probability of risk. “No, you don’t accept it,” said Ten Hag. “He has the potential and ability to be solid in all facets and elements of football.

“He gives you something extra in and out of possession.”

David McDonnell