Former Manchester United goalkeeper Massimo Taibi has weighed in on the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Andre Onana, suggesting that the Cameroonian shot-stopper would thrive better in an Italian or French team.
Speaking to The Sun, Taibi acknowledged Onana’s abilities but argued that his skill set does not align with the demands of English Premier League football.
“For me, he’s a strong goalkeeper who finds himself in a situation where he can’t show his skills because he is not cut out for the English game. He’s only suited to the Prem when it comes to his ball-playing ability and structure,” Taibi stated.
Taibi elaborated that Onana’s style, which thrives on technical ability and composure, would be a better fit for leagues like Serie A or Ligue 1.
“Andre’s a better fit for an Italian or French team. For English football, you need a goalkeeper who is more imposing, regularly comes off his line using his fists, and employs a different saving technique,” he added.
Reflecting on Onana’s decision to leave Inter Milan for Manchester United, Taibi suggested that the move may have been a misstep.
“In his place, I’d not have left Inter, where he was a big-shot. He made a calculated risk thinking he would slot in seamlessly at Manchester United, but it backfired,” Taibi remarked.
Despite his struggles in England, Taibi maintained that Onana remains an elite goalkeeper.
“But even though he hasn’t lived up to expectations, he remains a top keeper, one of the best in Europe,” he concluded.
Onana’s future at Manchester United continues to be a topic of debate, with reports suggesting that the club is already exploring options to replace him in the upcoming transfer windows.
