Andre Onana gesture speaks volumes after howler costs Man Utd in Bayern defeat
Andre Onana demanded to speak to media to clarify his performance and high-profile error in Manchester United’s defeat at Bayern Munich.
Onana allowed Leroy Sane’s shot to squirm under his body, giving Bayern a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute on Wednesday night. United went on to be edged out 4-3 in a thrilling encounter which highlighted their continued defensive problems.
Bayern doubled their lead four minutes after Sane’s opener through Serge Gnabry, a spell which defined the game after a bright start for the visitors which saw Christian Eriksen and Facundo Pellistri – making only his second United start – spurning early chances.
Rasmus Hojlund scored his first United goal and Casemiro bagged two late consolations for the visitors but a Harry Kane penalty and Mathys Tel strike ensured that Erik ten Hag’s side were never really threatening to take something from the game.
“Listen, we are in this together – we win together, we lose together,” Onana told Norwegian TV after the game, having requested to do media interviews on behalf of United.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
“A clean sheet is for all of us. So, when we concede goals, the responsibility is on me and my teammates – we are working hard but if they have to punch someone (for the goals) they have to punch me because I am the goalkeeper.”
That followed Onana’s comments to TNT Sports, in which he admitted: “In the beginning we start really good. After my mistake we lose the control of the game. It’s a difficult situation for us, for me, especially because I’m the one who let the team down.
Have Your Say! What did you make of United’s loss in Munich ? Tell us what you think here.
Sergio Reguilon consoled Andre Onana after his error against Bayern (Daniel Kopatsch - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)“But the team was very good, I think it was because of me that we didn’t win this game. I’m happy for the work of the team and we just have to move on. This is the life of a goalkeeper. If we didn’t win today it’s because of me.”
Asked if he was solely responsible for the first goal, Onana said: “I think yes. We were very good on the ball, the first shot on target I made a mistake. It was the key point in the game, the team went one down because of that mistake so I have to learn from it, be strong, move on.”
The former Inter goalkeeper concluded: "It’s not an easy situation but I’m very happy for the comeback of the team – we were fighting to the very end, but I have to recognise that because of me we didn’t win.”
Boss Ten Hag praised Andre Onana for taking responsibility for his error but stressed that the goals were on United collectively. The Dutchman said: “It is good he is taking responsibility but it is about the team. You have to bounce back as a team and we scored three goals after that.
“The mistakes happen but when they happen they are gone. We must always believe we can bounce back and tonight we showed that belief, we kept going after mistakes and kept believing.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
