After a baffling error by Manchester United’s custodian, Andre Onana gives Nottingham Forest the lead
Manchester United custodian Andre Onana was admonished after giving up an early goal against Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United custodian Andre Onana would have felt he could have done more to prevent Nottingham Forest from grabbing an early lead at Old Trafford on Saturday, when he made a mistake that led to the game’s opening goal. Taiwo Awoniyi, on his way to a spectacular early breakthrough for the visitors, sprinted almost the whole length of the field before taking the goalie down.
Onana failed to come and sweep the forward ball before returning to his own goal, allowing Awoniyi to close in before falling for his dummy and allowing the striker to score tap into an unguarded net inside two minutes.
Many United players and fans were confused by the goal, after being impressed with Onana during his early days in England, despite being chipped from long range during pre-season.
Willy Boly met Morgan Gibbs-White’s free kick four minutes into the game, despite the fact that the defender had little knowledge of his header, which put the away side two goals ahead.
Christian Eriksen, making his Premier League debut, gave the hosts some respite after Forest’s early double, tapping home after Marcus Rashford surged past his marker and put the ball on a dish for the Dane to score.
Onana will be disappointed to see his first goal returned, despite the fact that he uncharacteristically lingered on his line when the ball was initially pushed forward, then failed to come to meet Forest’s talisman before throwing himself to the ground too early and enabling a simple finish.
Erik ten Hag paid Inter Milan £47 million for Onana as his David De Gea replacement to signify a new way of playing out from the back, but the goal will frustrate the Dutch manager, who has already informed the stopper that keeping the ball out of his net should be his number one priority.
“Most important, always for a keeper, is clean sheets, and he’s not doing that on his own,” Ten Hag said when Onana arrived. “As a result, it’s quite clear that you’ll need a very good defensive organisation.” A keeper’s qualities, however, include the capacity to keep the goal clean. As a result, this is the most important requirement for a good custodian.
However, good play from the back, as well as out-playing qualities, are required in today’s game, which Andre possesses.” You must cover both areas and require both. So, naturally, we’re happy.
“I believe he is determined to win because of his physical presence as well as his personality.” He’s driven to win trophies, and he’ll assist the team and squad reach new heights.”
