André Onana has stated that he is willing to “take significant risks” this season and accepts that any criticism he faces from potentially costing Manchester United victories is warranted.
The goalkeeper had a mixed first season at Old Trafford, not fully living up to his reputation as one of the world’s best in his position, particularly with his footwork. Despite this, he has committed to maintaining a creative style of play.
“Yes, that’s me,” he remarked with a smile. “You are going to see me take many risks this season; I’m already letting you know. Brace yourselves, because this season is going to be exciting, trust me. I’m looking forward to it even more as it begins.”
Onana shared this serious insight with a laugh, elaborating on why he believes this approach is crucial. “Because the top team in the world takes risks. Building from the back, recognizing situations, whether the opponent is going one-on-one, or pressing with three or four players… It’s essential to identify these elements and make the right choice for the team. I will take on a lot of responsibility, and I believe my back is strong enough to carry it all. I’m expecting a great season.”
The Cameroon international is unbothered by the less-than-stellar feedback regarding some of his performances. He feels he was signed from Inter as the best goalkeeper globally, even without any accolades to prove it, and thus is held to high standards.
“As a player for Manchester United, it’s fair to face criticism when you don’t win since that’s part of the job,” he stated. “Coming here as the best goalkeeper in the world, it’s understandable that expectations are high, and the criticism can be tough, but at the same time, there’s also a lot of support. Striking a balance is key; sometimes criticism is beneficial because it encourages you to reflect on areas for improvement.”
Onana acknowledges that “it’s not easy to play for Manchester United because the expectations are always elevated,” but he doesn’t shy away from setting ambitious goals for the season ahead. “We’ve already shown in previous matches that we can compete with anyone, so we’re going to strive to win everything,” he affirmed.
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The 28-year-old is optimistic that his best performances are yet to come and feels more at ease after needing time to acclimatize. “About six months ago, I truly started feeling at home,” he reflected. “Adjusting to a new country, a new league, and new teammates can be challenging, but they’ve supported me immensely.”
