25 September 2023 , 10:47
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Erik ten Hag caused a stir at Manchester United with his decision to include four goalkeepers in the squad for the recent Champions League game against Bayern Munich.
The Dutchman was backed to the tune of £160million in the summer transfer window after overseeing a record £220m spend last year. And given that United spent significantly on deals for Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana and Mason Mount, funds are tight at Old Trafford, with the club mindful of their Financial Fair Play obligations.
After establishing himself as United's new No.1, it was no surprise to see Onana included in the squad that lost 4-3 against the German champions at the Allianz Arena last week. However, he was joined by three other goalkeepers in Munich.
19-year-old shot-stopper Radek Vitek joined No.2 Altay Bayindir and back-up Tom Heaton in making the trip, but the decision to take a glut of goalkeepers was questioned at Old Trafford, according to The Mail.
The report outlines that the club's current financial plight has led to non-football staff being restricted to signing-off anything not pre-agreed in the budget. As such, the decision to fly four goalkeepers out to Germany raised a few eyebrows - even though they would have more than likely travelled regardless of whether they were in the squad or not for training purposes.
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United ended up losing an enthralling game against Bayern, with Onana at fault for the German giants' opening goal. The Cameroon international requested a post-match interview to take responsibility for his error, earning praise from United fans.
Onana told TNT Sport: “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. But the team was very good, I think it was because of me that we didn’t win this game.
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Erik ten Hag's decision to include four goalkeepers in the travelling party for the Bayern Munich game caused a stir (Ash Donelon/Manchester United FC)“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.”
Onana has endured a difficult start to life at Old Trafford since joining United in a £47m deal from Inter Milan. He stressed he is capable of much more, adding: “I have a lot to prove because to be honest, my start in Manchester is not so good, it’s not how I want. To play how I played today is one of my worst games and it’s difficult because have big ambitions. We are a very big club and you want to win everything.
“It was a big opportunity for us to bounce back after the situation we are facing. It’s tough and we have to be together, continue what we are doing and learn from our mistakes because it’s the only thing to do.”