Manchester United fans were left astonished by Andre Onana’s new position during his impressive debut against Real Madrid.
Despite United’s defeat at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, the fans noticed Onana’s unique qualities and potential impact on the team.
Jude Bellingham’s delightful chip opened the scoring for United, but they eventually lost the match, with former Newcastle striker Joselu sealing the victory with a remarkable overhead kick late in the game.
Despite conceding twice in his first appearance for the club, Onana’s performance showcased the skills and attributes he will bring to Manchester United.
His debut has already given a glimpse of how Onana’s abilities will contribute to the team, and United supporters are eager to witness his full potential as the season progresses.
The debut performance has raised excitement among fans about Onana’s addition to the squad and the positive influence he can have on the team’s performances moving forward.
The Cameroonian has been drafted in as David De Gea’s replacement, with manager Erik ten Hag looking for a goalkeeper who can play it out from the back.
Onana, who worked with the Dutchman at Ajax, is the very definition of a modern day goalkeeper and he demonstrated that in his first outing.
He had 51 touches on the ball and finished the game with 95% pass accuracy, completing 39 out of 41 attempted pass.
His distribution was outstanding but United fans will have to get used to just how high a position he will take up in games.
The 27-year-old was almost permanently between the centre-backs, sweeping up counter attacks and getting on the ball like a deep-lying playmaker.
Some even likened him to former United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, who did give fans a fair few scares over the years.
One user wrote: “Andre Onana’s positioning when Real Madrid begin their build-up. Onana the baller.”
A second added: “Onana to Manchester United is giving me Fabien Barthez to United vibes.”
A third added: “Andre Onana taking up positions we wouldn’t see De Gea do in A MILLION YEARS. It’s exciting to see! Playing out is a lot more fluid.”
A fourth commented: “What is this? Is that Fabien Barthez? I can’t remember the last time I saw a goalie, always that far up & playing sweeper and centre-back/goalkeeper role to push team up & take advantage. Amazing.”
A fifth said: “He’s a bit mad. I’m getting Barthez flashbacks.”
Onana’s style will likely cause a stir but his display was hailed by Ten Hag, who feels as the way he will have a monumental impact on the way his team play.
“I think good, solid,” Ten Hag said on Onana’s first appearance.
“Two very good saves, so he was there in the moment the team needed him, so he did his job, he integrated well in our team.
“This is the first game and detail we have a lot of work to do, the defending part, for the second goal we are not close at the back post, it can’t be that a goal can come there. There are rules we have to follow and they will come quick that we integrate into our way of play.
“There are principles but he’s a keeper who can be used as a plus one in the back, so we definitely will in our strategy and tactics put that in.”