Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana found himself under scrutiny once again after committing a significant error during Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen.
The Cameroonian shot-stopper, who had been in strong form until a costly mistake over the weekend, made another high-profile misstep in the second half of the match.
While attempting to play a short pass to Matthijs de Ligt under intense pressure from three opposition attackers, Onana’s delivery was intercepted by Viktoria Plzen’s Pavel Sulc.
Sulc managed to steer the ball toward teammate Matej Vydra, who capitalized on the opportunity to slot the ball into the net, leaving Onana stranded.
Despite the blunder, Manchester United rallied, with Rasmus Højlund stepping up to secure a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils thanks to a well-taken brace.
Højlund’s clinical finishing helped ensure that Onana’s error did not cost United vital points in their Europa League campaign.
Onana’s performances have been under intense scrutiny since his high-profile move to Old Trafford.
While he has demonstrated moments of brilliance, his occasional lapses in judgment have sparked concerns among fans and analysts alike. Thursday’s mistake adds to the debate over his reliability in crucial moments.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who has publicly backed Onana in the past, will now face further questions about his goalkeeper’s consistency as the team continues its pursuit of European and domestic success.
The Red Devils’ ability to bounce back and secure victory, however, showcased their resilience and determination, with Højlund’s heroics offering a silver lining to an otherwise tense evening.
For Onana, the focus will undoubtedly be on regaining confidence and addressing the errors that have crept into his game.
The goalkeeper’s recent struggles have sparked discussions about his adaptation to Manchester United’s high-pressure environment and the need for sharper decision-making under intense match conditions.
As the season progresses, Onana will look to turn the page and deliver the consistent performances expected of a player in his position.
While fans will be relieved with the three points, Onana’s misstep will remain a talking point as Manchester United prepares for their upcoming fixtures.
Andre Onana forgot his teammates aren’t in red kit tonight 😂😂😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/rS2XGfqdl8
— Selorm (@selormafc) December 12, 2024
