Andre Onana’s actions during Manchester United’s pre-season tour of America have sparked controversy and criticism.
In a match against Borussia Dortmund, Onana was seen rushing out of his goal to confront his teammate Harry Maguire after a pass that put Christian Eriksen under pressure.
This move led to Dortmund gaining possession of the ball.
While Onana did manage to make a save during the ensuing play, his decision to confront Maguire on the field has been met with negative reactions.
Critics have labeled his behavior as “bang out of order,” suggesting that such actions are not appropriate within a team dynamic.
The incident highlights the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere among teammates, even in high-pressure situations on the field.
It remains to be seen how the situation will be addressed by Manchester United and their coaching staff.
Since the incident, a number of people have criticised the United goalkeeper for his decision to berate Maguire, including former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, who said he “didn’t like it”.
“First of all, Harry Maguire didn’t do anything wrong,” Agbonlahor said. “He played a ball to a midfielder and the midfielder gave it away. And I feel like he’s an easy target. I don’t like that from Onana.”
Agbonlahor added: “Are you doing that to [Lisandro] Martinez? Are you running after [Marcus] Rashford like that? I don’t think you are.”
And over a week later, Onana has once again been criticised for his conduct.
Appearing onThe United StandYouTube channel, former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster believes Onana’s actions would be seen as “bang out of order” by players in a changing room.
“I saw that thing with Maguire and I didn’t like it one bit,” Foster said. “I don’t think it’s necessary. I get it, you’re annoyed but it’s a pre-season friendly. You don’t need to go shouting and raving.
“I guarantee you, every player in any dressing room up and down the country will have seen that and gone ‘nah that’s bang out of order.'”
Onana is not happy with Maguire there. pic.twitter.com/Obeh9CKFby
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) July 31, 2023
Onana 🆚 Maguire pic.twitter.com/mCF0bwodC2
— Maguire GOAT (@MaguireSkills) July 31, 2023
Onana, meanwhile, played down the incident and stressed he has a “good relationship” with Maguire, who he called a “top guy and a fantastic player”.
‘’I try to talk to them a lot because I know he’s a good player, he is one of the captains of the the team,” Onana toldManchester United’s official website.
‘’That’s big and he is good with the ball, so I would demand [from] him a lot and he’s a good, great guy. I have a good relationship with him. I have to be and he has to be ready and I spoke with him because when I’m in the goal, I demand to everyone a lot.
’I will start with myself because I think we are in this together and mistakes will come. “We don’t have to be afraid to make mistakes because this is part of life and we learn from the mistakes.
‘’So we have to be very critical with ourselves. And if we want to win prizes, we have to demand a lot. And for me, it’s a big honour to be here and I’m very happy to work with these guys, Harry is a top guy and a fantastic player. We will move on.’’