As Manchester United gears up for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City on Saturday, former star Paul Scholes has expressed significant doubts about the performance of current goalkeeper André Onana. This highly anticipated match will see the English champions, City, face off against the FA Cup winners, United, in a final test before the start of the 2024-2025 Premier League season.
Scholes, a legendary figure at Old Trafford, has voiced his concerns about Onana’s recent form.
The former midfielder’s unease stems from Onana’s performance in a recent pre-season match against Liverpool, which ended in a 3-0 defeat for Manchester United.
Scholes remarked, “I always worry about goalkeeper Onana. He is a big concern for me. Even watching the pre-season games, a few goals he conceded against Liverpool, he worries me a lot.”
The former England international’s criticism is not new. Scholes had previously questioned Onana’s reliability following a notable error during a Champions League match last season.
In a dramatic game against Ajax Amsterdam, Onana was involved in a double blunder that led to a 3-3 draw.
Scholes had commented at the time, “He makes people nervous, he makes the defense nervous, he makes the whole team nervous.
He gives the impression that simple saves are really difficult. I don’t think he’s very focused, and for a goalkeeper, concentration is the most important thing.”
In response to the mounting criticism, Onana has remained defiant.
The Cameroonian international has assured fans and critics alike that he is prepared to take on the responsibility of being Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Speaking to MUTV, Onana expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I’m going to take on a lot of responsibility and I think I’m strong enough to do that.”
As Manchester United prepares for the Community Shield, the spotlight will be firmly on Onana, whose performance will be scrutinized closely.
The outcome of this fixture could set the tone for the upcoming season and offer a clearer picture of whether Onana can rise to the challenges ahead.
The match against City will serve as a crucial benchmark for Onana and United as they look to build momentum for the new campaign.
🚨🗣 Paul Scholes on Andre Onana:
“I still worry about the goalkeeper, he’s a big concern for me. Even watching the pre-season games, a couple of goals he conceded against Liverpool…he’s a massive concern for me.” [@WeAreTheOverlap] pic.twitter.com/WJmHE3F3lt
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) August 8, 2024
