Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, has expressed unwavering support for goalkeeper Andre Onana despite the Cameroonian’s recent errors, particularly during a 2-2 Europa League draw against Lyon. Onana, who has been under scrutiny for several costly mistakes this season, notably played a significant role in the two goals conceded to the French side, leading to widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and even former teammates. However, Amorim has taken a bold stance, defending Onana and providing several key reasons for his continued trust in the goalkeeper.
First and foremost, Amorim emphasizes the importance of accountability starting from the top. Rather than focusing on the individual mistakes of players, he asserts that the team’s struggles should be seen as a collective responsibility. This perspective is significant, especially given the current turbulent form of Manchester United. Amorim’s candid admission of his own errors in recent matches underscores this point. He acknowledged that his mistakes as a manager have been just as prevalent as those of his players, further reinforcing the notion that the team’s challenges cannot be attributed to a single individual. “When one player has a mistake, all the team has a mistake,” Amorim stated after the Lyon game. This collective mindset aims to foster a sense of unity within the squad, making it clear that individual mistakes should not be blown out of proportion, especially when the team is going through a rough patch.
Amorim’s second reason for standing by Onana is his belief in the bigger picture. Despite Onana’s continued errors, including the league-high number of mistakes leading directly to goals, the manager remains focused on the long-term development and stability of the team. Amorim believes that maintaining confidence in key players like Onana is crucial for the team’s future success. He has pointed out that the goalkeeper’s struggles should not overshadow his overall ability or contribution to the team. By continuing to back Onana, Amorim is reinforcing the idea that stability and trust in players are necessary components of building a successful team. “We continue to do the same thing training, seeing the games, trying to choose the best eleven to win every match,” Amorim said, emphasizing the need for consistency despite the current challenges.
The third key reason for Amorim’s defense of Onana revolves around shielding players from a toxic narrative. The pressure surrounding Onana has been mounting, especially after his recent mistakes in the Europa League clash against Lyon. Onana’s errors have not gone unnoticed, with some critics, including former United player Nemanja Matic, labeling him as “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history.” This harsh criticism has further intensified the toxic atmosphere surrounding Onana’s performances, leading to boos from the fans during the Lyon match. Amorim’s support is crucial in protecting the player from being consumed by this negative narrative. By publicly backing Onana, the manager is trying to ensure that the goalkeeper does not feel isolated or demoralized by the criticism. “There’s nothing I can say to Andre in this moment that will help him, so the most important thing is to be natural,” Amorim explained, emphasizing the need for calm and perspective during such challenging times.
In conclusion, Ruben Amorim’s steadfast defense of Andre Onana, despite the goalkeeper’s recent mistakes, reflects a managerial philosophy centered on accountability, long-term belief, and shielding players from harmful criticism. Amorim’s approach is designed to protect Onana’s confidence while maintaining focus on the bigger picture for the team. As Manchester United struggles in both the Premier League and the Europa League, Amorim’s leadership could play a pivotal role in helping Onana and the rest of the squad regain their form and confidence moving forward.
