Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana has candidly assessed his challenging debut season at Manchester United, describing it as a “descent into hell.” Despite his difficult start, he remains optimistic ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Reflecting on the season, Onana admitted that the team’s performance fell short of expectations, especially in the latter stages.
“I don’t mind giving up twenty or thirty shots,” Onana said in an interview with the BBC and ESPN. “It would be nice if everyone was fit again, but what else can we do? Hide? We are a big club.”
Onana, who joined United after a successful stint with Inter Milan, has faced criticism for his performance.
He acknowledges the team’s defensive struggles, highlighted by a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City where they conceded 27 shots.
However, he argues that their poor form should not define the team’s potential or his own abilities.
“Take Rashford. How many goals did he score last season? Thirty. How many goals has he scored this season? Seven, eight maybe.
We are talking about the same player. Is he a bad player now? No. You can have a bad season or a bad start, but what matters most is how you finish,” Onana emphasized, defending his teammate Marcus Rashford.
Onana’s journey to Old Trafford was marked by high expectations. “I came here as the best goalkeeper in the world and boom, things went completely wrong.
What is going on? But that’s how difficult football is sometimes,” he explained, reflecting on his initial struggles.
Despite the setbacks, Onana remains confident in his and the team’s resilience. “For me, Rashy is one of the best players in the world. Currently, he is going through a difficult period.
Not just him, but the whole club. But he will come back. I know my striker will score important goals for us. I hope he scores two goals against City and we win the FA Cup.”
While hopeful for an FA Cup victory, Onana is realistic about its impact on their season. “Beating them wouldn’t make this season a success.
When you play for this club, winning the FA Cup is not enough. But that would make things a little better,” he concluded.
As Manchester United prepares for the crucial final against their city rivals, Onana’s reflections highlight both the challenges and the enduring spirit within the squad.
Victory at Wembley would offer a positive end to a turbulent season, providing a foundation for future success.
