Andre Onana reacts to being lobbed from the halfway line on Man Utd home debut

06 August 2023 , 12:41

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Andre Onana reacts to being lobbed from the halfway line on Man Utd home debut

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was willing to shoulder the blame for conceding from just inside his own half against RC Lens on Saturday.

The Cameroon international was making his first appearance in front of the Old Trafford faithful and keen to make a strong first impression. However, after just 23 minutes, Onana was left in a heap inside his own goal after Florian Sotoca got the better of him from well over 45 yards out.

Thankfully, second-half goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony and Casemiro ensured Onana's blushes were spared and United came away with the victory. However, Onana being caught well off his line was all anyone could talk about come full-time and the shot-stopper was pressed for comment on the incident.

"Like I always say, I am responsible for everything, especially when we concede goals," Onana told MUTV, showing the kind of mindset Erik ten Hag is a fan of. "I’m the big man at the back so I take all the criticism, all the responsibility is on me."

The goalkeeper continued, adding: "I’m happy for the win. Of course we can always be better. Some things we have to try to fix. It was a great game for me and for the guys, some important goals and I’m happy for everything."

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Onana's playing style is in stark contrast to what United fans had grown used to with his predecessor David de Gea. The new Red Devils number one is every inch the modern goalkeeper, extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet while often seen well off his line operating as the first line of attack as well as the last line of defence.

HAVE YOUR SAY!Was Onana at fault for Lens' halfway strike on Saturday? Comment below

Andre Onana was beaten from the halfway line on his Old Trafford debut

While United were vastly improved during Ten Hag's debut season at the helm and ended their six-year wait for silverware with a Carabao Cup triumph, hopes are high that the Red Devils can kick on and challenge for the biggest honours.

According to his post-match remarks, Onana is counting down the days until he can play his part in United's effort to return to their former glories.

"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."

There will be no time for Onana to adapt, the shot-stopper will be thrust into the limelight for the season opener against Wolves and need to hit the ground running for the Red Devils.

Josh O'Brien