Teams have identified huge weakness in Andre Onana's game that players are being told to target
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Opposing team analysts have targeted a so-called weakness in Andre Onana's game, according to reports, as the Manchester United goalkeeper continues to struggle.
The 27-year-old Cameroon international, who joined Erik ten Hag's side from Ajax in the summer for £47.2 million, has received plenty of criticism in recent weeks following a number of high-profile mistakes.
On average, Onana has conceded almost two goals per game in a United shirt. And on Tuesday night, he was scrutinised further after a far-from-convincing performance against Galatasaray.
His positioning for Mauro Icardi's winner was questionable, to say the least, while a wayward pass to Dries Mertens resulted in Casemiro being sent off for a last-ditch tackle.
Icardi missed his spot-kick but the damage was already done. Onana has now conceded seven goals in two Champions League games – a record opposition teams will be salivating at.
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In fact, a report from The Telegraph suggests opposition teams are targeting Onana’s positioning – a trait that has been "the focus of opposition analysts" while preparing for games.
The out-of-form goalkeeper can often be caught deep in his own area when Erik ten Hag's side are out of possession.
And a source from one club says players were instructed to shoot early because the former Ajax shot-stopper is so deep in his penalty area that he "effectively makes the goal bigger for them".
Ten Hag said he signed Onana for a number of different reasons, including his ability to play out from the back.
But a number of stray passes have left United in tricky situations of late. Still, Ten Hag has backed Onana to become "one of the best goalkeepers in the world" following his latest display against Galatasaray.
Speaking after United's 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford, the Dutch manager said: "We are happy with our goalkeeping group. Andre was in one semi-final, last season in a final of Champions League.
"[He] can be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We have seen already his great capabilities and also his personality. He will bounce back.
"I have to talk with more players, and Andre of course. I will encourage him and back him. He’s a great goalkeeper. We have to settle down and look forward."
Ten Hag’s build-up structure *can* work.
— EBL (@EBL2017) October 4, 2023
It just needs players who have elite physical, mental, and technical qualities for it to succeed in an consistently improving Premier League.
Onana, Martinez, Shaw, and Malacia (to name a few) are on that level.pic.twitter.com/mtu1LU5Srf
Thoughts on Onana's start to life at United? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images - X
Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Premier League, Champions League, Andre Onana
