Andre Onana has risked backlash from the Manchester United fanbase by insisting he will not change his style of play – even if it draws jeers at Old Trafford.
The goalkeeper was criticised during and after Sunday’s derby for slowing the game down too much, with Gary Neville taking aim at his approach.
Neville, on commentary for Sky Sports, called the 0-0 draw with Manchester City “disappointing” and “depressing”.
He highlighted Onana’s reluctance to release the ball quickly as a key frustration.
He accused him of going against the club’s identity.
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“United’s goalkeeper rolling his foot on the ball and waiting for things to happen.
“That’s not it, that’s not what this club is, that’s not what we do here,” Neville said post-match.
“Liverpool don’t do that. You’ve got to be a top team with tempo in your play, rhythm in your play.
“Get the ball moving, shift it quickly.”
The Old Trafford crowd shared in that frustration during the match, with groans and boos heard when Onana slowed play.
However, the Cameroonian shot-stopper has now made it clear he stands by his decision-making and won’t be influenced by crowd reactions.
Andre Onana insists on slow tempo build-up
“To be honest, it doesn’t affect me because the decision I make is to help the team,” Onana said.
“Sometimes I will make the right decision, sometimes I will make the wrong decision.
“When I feel my players need to rest I have to take my time, when I feel we need to speed up the game I will do it.”
He added that managing game flow is a key part of his role, especially when under pressure against dominant opposition.
“But sometimes, especially in the second half with an opponent that has a lot of control, they have more possession than us.
“I have to let my guys breathe,” he explained.
“They need me to do that. If the team needs to speed up the game, I will do it. I try to make the best decision for the team.”
Onana has endured a turbulent time in England, with criticism intensifying over United’s decision to let David de Gea leave for free and sign him for £47 million.
Reports have even suggested Ruben Amorim is considering replacing the 29-year-old in the summer if a suitable target becomes available.
For now though, Onana’s focus is on winning the Europa League, with United set to face Lyon in the quarter-final first leg on Thursday.
As well as chasing a trophy, winning the competition remains United’s best hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
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Source: Centred Devils
