Andre Onana has warned he is ready to take “a lot of risks” with the ball at his feet as Manchester United attempt to build from the back better in Erik ten Hag’s third season.
The 28-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper has advised supporters to “be prepared” for tense times as he attempts to break opponents’ press and pick a ball to put his team on the attack.
“That’s me,” said Onana when asked about maintaining his creative approach. “And I think it’s what you’re gonna see this season because I will take a lot of risks. I can tell you in advance already! Be prepared because it’s gonna be this season, trust me! I will enjoy it even more when this season starts.”
Onana laughed as he spoke, and he feels staying relaxed in pressurised circumstances will aid attempts to play progressive football.
Pressed on taking risks, he said: “Of course, because the best team in the world takes risks. Building from the back, recognise things, situations, when the opponent jumps one against one, or when they press with three or with four, recognise we dominate the pressing if it’s a No 9 or the 11.
“So for me it’s important to recognise those kind of things and make the best decision for the team. I will take a lot of responsibility and I think my back is huge to carry it all, no? I think it’s gonna be nice this season.”
Onana experienced a rough start to his United career, making a series of mistakes that proved expensive in the Champions League, but responded to come out in credit for his rookie campaign. He is a prominent figure in the dressing room.
“Being a player for Manchester United, when you don’t win, it’s fair to receive criticism because at the end of the day, it’s part of the job. We are here for it and me coming here as the best goalkeeper in the world, it’s normal they were tough on me because they expect a lot from me but at the same time they also give me a lot of love.
“You just have to balance that and critics sometimes are good because you have to look back at what you did that was not good, so for me I take it positively.”
Jelle ten Rouwelaar has replaced Richard Hartis as United’s goalkeeping coach. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had invited Hartis back to Old Trafford in 2019. The goal for Rouwelaar, who spent last season at Burnley, is to strengthen United’s passing out of the back.
“Very good, to be honest,” said Onana on his initial experiences working with Ten Rouwelaar. “I had a very good relationship also with Richard, he was a really good guy and helped us a lot, especially when I came here and faced difficulties, he was there for me so I thank him for all what he did for me. I think all the goalkeepers were very happy with him.
“Now the club decide to move on and bring someone else and we are working together and we are happy to work with Jelle.
“Every person is different! He has his own way to work, it’s nice, we are having fun and enjoying and the most important thing is for the team to win.”
(Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
