Erik ten Hag Says Andre Onana can be one of the Best Goalkeepers in the World

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Erik ten Hag has backed Andre Onana to become “one of the best goalkeepers in the world” despite another poor performance against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

The new Manchester United starting goalkeeper has struggled to adjust to life at Old Trafford since making a £47.2m move from Inter during the summer transfer window.

Having conceded 11 goals in his first seven Premier League appearances, in addition to allowing a tame long-range effort from Leroy Sane to slip under his arms against Bayern Munich, Onana once again flattered to deceive in United’s second Champions League outing.

The Cameroon international, who is revered for his ability on the ball, completed just 56.8% of his passes on the night, with one particularly dismal attempt to Casemiro ultimately leading to Galatasaray winning a penalty and the Brazilian earning an early bath for a second yellow card.

But speaking to the press after the 3-2 defeat, manager Ten Hag was keen to back Onana’s capacity to improve upon his recent performances.

“We are happy with our goalkeeping group. Andre was in one semi-final, last season in a final of Champions League,” Ten Hag said. “[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.”

While Onana has been disappointing thus far, the 27-year-old has not been helped by the lack of continuity in front of him throughout the early weeks of the 2023/24 season.

Manchester United are currently without a number of key defensive options, with midfielder Sofyan Amrabat being forced to play as a left-back due to the injuries of Luke Shaw, Sergio Reguilon and Lisandro Martinez – the latter of which has undergone surgery on a metatarsal fracture this week.

Onana will be hoping he can secure just his third Premier League clean sheet of the season when United face off against Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday.

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