Andre Onana makes extremely bold Man Utd claim amid early season struggles

20 September 2023 , 10:38

634     0

Andre Onana is dreaming big (Image: MUTV)

Andre Onana believes that Manchester United can win the Champions League, despite their disastrous start to the season.

The Red Devils have lost three of their opening five games, the most recent being Saturday's calamitous 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton. Goalkeeper Onana, who arrived at Old Trafford in July for £47million, has already conceded 11 goals but impressed while helping Inter Milan reach the Champions League final last season.

Inter were eventually beaten 1-0 by Treble winners Manchester City but the Cameroonian is adamant that United can go one better and lift their fourth European Cup at Wembley next June. Speaking ahead of Wednesday's group-stage opener away to Bayern Munich, Onana told MUTV: "Champions League, I know the competition.

"I played the final a few months ago so we have no limit. We have to dream big. We have to dream very big and it's not only about talking, it is time to deliver, to show in the pitch. This season didn't start how we wanted but I think in the end it will be much better."

The 27-year-old wants to use his anguish of losing to City last time out as fuel for a victorious campaign, adding: "Something [like that] is a motivation for me, but [not] only me, I cannot do it [alone]. Only together we are stronger.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

"When I see my team-mates and the quality we have, I am very confident and I know [if] we keep working how we are working, in the end of this season I think we are going to be dancing all together."

Have your say! How far will Manchester United go in the Champions League? Join the debate in the comments section.

It all starts in Munich, where United will be hoping to avoid a third successive defeat. Bayern pose a formidable threat but Onana insists that his team-mates can't be intimidated under the Allianz Arena lights. "We will give everything tomorrow and I hope we are going to win," the recently-recalled Cameroon international affirmed.

"It is not going to be easy, they are a very good team, but we are Manchester United. We have to be able to go anywhere and play our football. Don't be afraid to challenge anyone. I am very confident."

That echoed his manager's sentiment, with Erik ten Hag saying: "[They are] great matches to be part of. It is going to be a great game I am sure, from start to finish. You have to be front foot and you have to be happy to be part of it but also you have to show it on the pitch. You have to give everything in such a game and then you know as a player you have to suffer. You have to sacrifice to get the right result."

Nathan Ridley