Massimo Taibi, known for one of Manchester United’s most notorious goalkeeping blunders, has advised current goalkeeper Andre Onana to consider leaving Old Trafford.
The Cameroon international, who joined the Premier League club 18 months ago under manager Erik ten Hag, has faced scrutiny regarding his performances since the transfer.
The former Inter Milan keeper was notably beaten directly from a corner during a Boxing Day match against Wolves, contributing to United’s defeat.
Taibi believes Onana’s growing error count is problematic for a club aiming for silverware and suggests that a move away might be beneficial for the player.
Ironically, Taibi himself struggled during his time at Manchester, making a critical mistake that cost the team. Despite this, he remains vocal about Onana’s situation.
“I would say to him directly: ‘Andre, you are one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, but you’re not playing well enough in the Premier League. Step away from the criticism, do a self-analysis, reset, and go again. And if nothing changes by June, move on.’
“I subconsciously think that the environment at United is not ideal for him, and when things start to break, it’s pointless to continue. Sometimes it’s better to part ways, which wouldn’t be a failure.
“For me, he is a strong goalkeeper who finds himself in a situation where he cannot showcase his skills because he’s not made for English football. He fits the Premier League only in terms of his ability to distribute the ball and his tactical structure.
“In his place, I wouldn’t have left Inter, where he was a big player. He calculated the risk, thinking he would easily fit into Manchester United, but it turned against him.
“But even though he hasn’t lived up to expectations, he’s still a top-class goalkeeper, one of the best in Europe.”
