Former Manchester United assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag has spoken out in defence of Andre Onana, whose debut season at Old Trafford has come under intense scrutiny following a string of high-profile errors.
The 29-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper has faced widespread criticism for his performances in both the Premier League and Europa League, with some supporters and pundits questioning his long-term future at the club.
Onana, who was signed to replace David de Gea, has struggled to win over sections of the fan base, especially after being labelled “one of the worst keepers” in United’s history by former midfielder Nemanja Matic.
Addressing the situation, Van der Gaag suggested that the pressure associated with playing for Manchester United is a significant factor behind Onana’s erratic form.
He believes that even the most talented players can buckle under the weight of expectations at such a high-profile club.
“We cannot forget the impact Man Utd has on everyone,” he said. “That criticism is there, excellence is expected and players have to deal with that. The other part is that there will always be comparisons.”
He added that Onana’s resilience in the past suggests he can bounce back.
“He is under pressure and scrutiny but he has overcome many challenges in his career before. At the start of last season, everyone was saying he was United’s best and most consistent player so it can change quickly.”
According to The Athletic, United may consider moving Onana on this summer, as new manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly evaluating alternatives in goal.
