LONDON — It would be an understatement to say that Andre Onana had a rocky start to life at Manchester United after joining from Inter Milan for $55 million this summer, but the Cameroonian goalkeeper is determined to win. is solidifying. 1-0 win over Fulham This is the starting point for the rest of the season.
After suffering heavy 2-3 home defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle in the space of a few days in the Premier League and League Cup, Manchester United and Onana needed to improve their defense in west London. they understood it.
Banners on the away side urged United’s players to fight and they worked hard, were disciplined and gave it their all.
According to Onana, playing from the back was not the order of the day. That’s because he and the two centre-halves in front of him (Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans) didn’t take any risks, played long when needed and were key to the game. win.
How much of an influence did Onana have?
Onana, 27, made two excellent stops at key moments in the second half to keep the score at 0-0. He first denied Harry Wilson’s powerful dipping shot with a strong right hand, and Joao Parinha was one-on-one with him soon after, but most officials at Craven Cottage believed Manchester United were on the back foot. Just when he was sure it was going to happen, Onana stood up and defeated the effort.
Asked about those two saves and their significance during pro soccer talk after the game, Onana turned the focus away from himself.
“Maybe it was important. But the most important thing today is the victory,” Onana smiled. “Let’s talk about Bruno’s goal.” [Fernandes] That was very important to us. The celebration says it all. I’m very happy for today’s win and Bruno’s great goal. ”
Onana had 40 touches against Fulham, the third-fewest of his previous eight Premier League games.
United’s players understand the situation they are currently in, with injuries and a lack of form from attacking players impacting on confidence and reducing the margin for error, so basically I turned back. For a goalkeeper with good foot usage who was brought in specifically to play from the back, Onana prioritizes the team’s current situation over his own style of play.
What is the blueprint for United to regain trust?
Looking ahead, United have a big Champions League game in Copenhagen on Wednesday, followed by a winnable home game against Luton Town in the Premier League before the start of the November international break.
If they can win these two games, things will be much better and everything will settle down regarding Erik ten Hag and his future. At this point.
Onana admitted that the clean sheet against Fulham will give United’s players confidence, and also pointed to the fighting spirit and unity United showed in a very difficult situation.
“I have a lot of confidence,” Onana said of the clean sheet. “Even if you keep a clean sheet, sometimes you don’t win the game and end up drawing it. It was important for us to win today. We came here to win. Even if we concede a goal, it doesn’t matter.” No, it was important to win. I’m happy with this win and the clean sheet showed how the team works. A clean sheet is how we stick together and defend. The way we suffer together. I’m very happy with the way we fight.”
Manchester United have won six times by one goal in the Premier League this season and have shown they can rack up wins, with the 1-0 win against Fulham helping Ten Hag take the lead in the game. It became a blueprint for how to regain confidence while winning. Onana is certainly up to the pressure of playing for Manchester United.
“I have to prepare to play for Manchester United. If you play for such a big club, that’s the price you have to pay,” Onana said. “Everyone gets frustrated if we don’t win. That’s normal. We’re Manchester United. We have to try to win everything. That’s good for me. I mean, we’re used to winning. Even if we’re not in a good situation, we have to do everything we can to win. Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, so we always have to aim to win.”
“Sometimes we lose, but we have to fight every game. Sometimes we make mistakes. This is part of life. In this club we always fight. We give our best and give everything in everything we do. We showed a lot of personality and I’m happy with our motivation and cohesiveness.”