Ruben Amorim has admitted to making more errors than his under-fire goalkeeper Andre Onana during a difficult season at Manchester United. The manager, who took over the role in November, acknowledged his own missteps as the team faces mounting pressure.
Following a 2-2 stalemate against Lyon in the Europa League, questions have been raised about Onana’s performances. The Cameroonian shot-stopper was responsible for both goals conceded in the first leg. Despite criticism, Amorim expressed support for his keeper, saying he remains confident in Onana and will continue selecting the strongest lineup based on performance in training and matches.
United’s hopes of qualifying for Europe next season now rest heavily on winning the Europa League, with the side sitting 13th in the domestic league standings. They host Lyon at Old Trafford in the return fixture next Thursday.
Onana struggled during the match in Lyon, with both goals reflecting moments of hesitation and misjudgment. The first came from a wide free kick by Thiago Almada. Onana hesitated, waiting to see if an opposing player would redirect the delivery. The ball skidded off the turf, slipped through his gloves, and found the back of the net.
In the final moments of the game, United gave up their lead when Onana failed to hold onto a shot from Georges Mikautadze. The loose ball was quickly pounced on by Rayan Cherki, who tapped in the equalizer deep into stoppage time.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former midfielder Aaron Lennon described both mistakes as avoidable and said Onana’s teammates would be frustrated by the outcome.
Amorim expressed regret over not taking a lead into the second leg but reiterated his belief in collective responsibility. According to the manager, any individual lapse reflects on the entire squad.
The scrutiny on Onana intensified after former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic labelled him “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s history. Matic made the remark following comments from Onana that suggested United were clearly superior to Lyon.
Tensions were high during the pre-match buildup, with Onana receiving boos from the home supporters every time he touched the ball. When United briefly took the lead late in the game, Onana reacted with an emotional celebration.
Statistically, Onana has conceded more goals per minute than any other United goalkeeper with at least ten Premier League appearances. He also leads all Premier League goalkeepers in errors resulting in goals since the start of last season.
However, he ranks second in Opta’s goals prevented metric, just behind Jordan Pickford – highlighting the complexity of his performances since joining the club.
