Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has once again voiced his dissent regarding the ball-playing abilities of goalkeeper Andre Onana, following United’s 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking their final match of the year. Neville, now a prominent football pundit, expressed his reservations about Onana’s prowess with the ball at his feet.
The match not only encapsulated the overall struggles of Erik ten Hag’s team but also shone a spotlight on the performance of the Cameroonian goalkeeper throughout the season.
In the aftermath of United’s latest setback, Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, reiterated his belief that Onana does not live up to the reputation of being exceptional in handling the ball.
While acknowledging Onana’s past acclaim for his ball-playing skills, Neville remarked, “Onana had a reputation for being very good with the ball, but I just don’t think he was that good with the ball. He is so erratic,” as reported by Unitedinfocus.
The criticism comes at a crucial juncture for Onana, who is set to return to the national team to participate in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, with the Indomitable Lions.
Notably, Onana has engaged in discussions with coach Rigobert Song to potentially delay his return to Cameroon.
As the debate over Onana’s performance intensifies, the goalkeeper faces a dual challenge of proving his detractors wrong while preparing for international duty.
Manchester United’s struggles and the scrutiny on Onana’s abilities contribute to the ongoing narrative surrounding the goalkeeper as he navigates both club and country commitments in the coming weeks.
