Andre Onana takes blame for Man Utd defeat after mistake but earns Rio Ferdinand’s ‘respect’
Andre Onana insists he has a lot to prove at Manchester United after taking the blame for their 4-3 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.
United had started brightly in Germany but conceded the first goal in the 28th minute when Leroy Sane’s strike squeezed under Onana.
At that point, summer arrival Onana had faced 12 shots on target this season with nine resulting in goals, and he would go on to concede three more times with Casemiro’s late double not enough.
And when fronting up to the cameras afterwards, United goalkeeper Onana told TNT Sports: “It’s difficult. We started very good. After my mistake we lost control of the game. It’s a difficult situation for us, for me.
“The team were one down because of that mistake. I have to learn from it and be strong. I’m happy with the comeback of the team.
“I have a lot to prove. My start in Manchester hasn’t been so good, not how I want. This was one of my worst games. We have big ambition.
“It’s a tough time. We have to be together and work hard.”
Reacting to Onana’s admission, former United defender Rio Ferdinand said: “I respect that. I’ve lost games and made mistakes and refused to speak to the media at times. It’s a difficult position to be in.
“That showed good character and showed he’s made of the right stuff. It’s difficult to build yourself back up.”
Paul Scholes added: “He’s been less than convincing I’d say. He’s making mistakes but has to get over that. You can’t afford to dwell on it at this club.”
Speaking after Onana’s interview, United boss Erik ten Hag then said it was “good” his goalkeeper fronted up – but says the focus should be on the team making amends.
“It’s good he’s doing that but it’s about the team,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports. “Mistakes are being made but you have to bounce back as a team. If one player makes a mistake, it’s done, its gone. We have to believe as a team that we can always bounce back. Tonight we showed it.
“I’m disappointed because we should stay in the game. If you score three goals at Bayern Munich you have to take a point.
“We are in a period, a lot is going against us. We have to make our own luck. We’ve played great teams in the last three games.”
With Burnley next for United, who have conceded three goals in each of their past three games, Ten Hag added: “Every game is important. Every game is huge. We have to make our own luck. Nobody can help you.
“Stay in the game and don’t allow the opponent to score a goal. it’s not about one mistake. It was too easy for the player to have the shot.
“We, team, me included, only we can do it [change things]. It’s in our hands, nobody else.”
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