‘A team wants stability’ – Van der Sar explains why Andre Onana failed at Man United

Former Edwin van der Sar has offered a firm defence of Andre Onana, insisting the Cameroonian’s struggles at Manchester United were shaped more by instability around him than by a lack of ability.

Onana’s turbulent spell in England has been widely dissected since his departure, and fresh scrutiny has followed him to Turkey, where a difficult outing against Fenerbahce has intensified doubts over his long term future at Trabzonspor. For Van der Sar, however, the conversation should not begin and end with individual mistakes.

A question of stability, not talent

Signed amid high expectations, Onana arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation as one of Europe’s most progressive goalkeepers, admired for his command in possession and sharp reflexes. Yet his time in Manchester quickly unravelled, with high profile errors fuelling criticism and, at times, ridicule.

Van der Sar, who enjoyed a trophy laden spell at United, believes context is crucial when assessing Onana’s difficulties.

“I thought, and I still think, that he has tremendous qualities – reflections and his feet – but somehow, he has the odd mistake in him that makes you think ‘That’s crazy, how can he do that’.”

The Dutchman pointed to the broader environment at United, arguing that a lack of continuity has undermined several new arrivals in recent years.

“A team wants stability, to know what your goalkeeper is doing so the back four can relate and I think that’s what happened (the issue) with André.”

United’s revolving door

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, United have endured frequent managerial changes, constant reshuffling in defence and midfield, and shifting tactical identities. Van der Sar suggested that such turbulence makes it exceptionally difficult for any goalkeeper, particularly one asked to play a proactive role in build up, to settle.

“United haven’t had stability for the last six or seven years – the back four changing, the centre-halves and midfielders changing, coaches changing – so, it’s difficult for new players to come into an environment where the expectations are high, not only for goalkeepers but also for a winger or midfielder.

“A lot of players who have come here in the last eight or nine years have not reached the level that people expected them to reach.”

For Onana, the weight of expectation proved relentless. Every misjudged pass or spilled shot reinforced the narrative of a failed signing, with some critics branding him among the poorest goalkeepers to represent the club in the modern era.

Pressure follows to Turkey

Now 29, Onana’s attempt to rebuild his reputation at Trabzonspor has hit fresh turbulence. He has featured 21 times this season, registering only four clean sheets, and his recent performance against Fenerbahce has placed his proposed permanent stay in jeopardy.

Still, Van der Sar’s intervention serves as a reminder that goalkeepers rarely operate in isolation. In a position where confidence and cohesion are paramount, structural instability can magnify flaws and erode assurance.