Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana recently opened up about his perspective on manager Erik ten Hag, explaining why he refrains from publicly endorsing the Dutchman despite recognizing his coaching skills.
Onana, who moved to United from Inter Milan last summer, initially struggled to establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, making notable errors in the Champions League group stage.
However, he has since demonstrated consistency, earning acclaim for his distribution and shot-stopping abilities.
While Onana praised Ten Hag’s managerial abilities in a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, he chooses not to openly support him.
He attributes this to the unpredictable nature of football, where past performances can often overshadow current accomplishments.
Onana respects Ten Hag’s managerial skills but believes his reputation speaks for itself, not needing further endorsement from him.
United’s season has been inconsistent, with promising wins often followed by disappointing losses.
This inconsistency was evident when they defeated Chelsea but then suffered a 3-0 loss at home to Bournemouth shortly after.
The team’s up-and-down form continued with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, where they held the lead until a late penalty was conceded to Mohamed Salah.
While the draw against Liverpool might be seen as a positive result by some, Onana and his teammates view it as two crucial points lost, further damaging their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
The recent series of matches has exposed defensive weaknesses in Ten Hag’s team, as seen by the high number of shots they have allowed.
This defensive vulnerability was clear in their game against Bournemouth, where they conceded 12 shots in the first half alone, allowing the Cherries to take a 2-1 lead before Bruno Fernandes equalized from the penalty spot.
Such defensive lapses highlight the challenges Ten Hag faces in achieving consistency and securing positive results for United.
Onana’s cautious approach to publicly endorsing Ten Hag reflects the practical mindset common in top-tier football.
While he acknowledges the manager’s skills, Onana is aware of the fleeting nature of success and the constant scrutiny that comes with it.
As United progresses through the remaining matches of the season, Onana’s consistent performances in goal will be vital in determining the team’s fate and shaping opinions on Ten Hag’s time as manager at Old Trafford.
