Onana makes a pub goalkeeper error against Bayern Munich

Carlo Garganese

• 13 Dec 2023 07:55 CST
• 4 min read

Andre Onana’s horrific start to his Manchester United career went from bad to worse as he was at fault for yet another costly goal on Tuesday evening.

United’s 1-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich means they not only exit the Champions League but are out of Europe altogether having finished bottom of their group.

The only goal of the game was scored by Kingsley Coman, who buried his finish past Onana after being put through by Harry Kane.

But Onana made a bizarre choice when attempting to save from Coman.

Instead of trying to narrow the angle by coming out and closing down the Frenchman, Onana strangely decided to stand his ground deep into his six yard box.

This gifted Onana the simplest of finishes as he had all the time in the world and nearly all the goal to shoot into.

It was a mistake that a pub goalkeeper would be chastised for, and is one of the first things a goalkeeper is taught as a school child; you come out and narrow the angle when an opponent is one on one.

The goal meant that Onana set the record for most goals conceded by a goalkeeper for an English team in the history of the Champions League. The Cameroonian shipped 15 in six games, making a string of mistakes.

The Cameroonian was expected to become a star at Old Trafford after his €51 million - plus €4m in bonuses - summer transfer from Inter Milan.

ANDRE ONANA: The warning signs that Man Utd missed at Inter Milan

The 27-year-old had enjoyed an outstanding Champions League season with the Nerazzurri last term, playing a key role in their run to the final.

He kept more clean sheets than anyone in the tournament, including five in the knockout rounds, as Inter narrowly and unluckily lost 1-0 to Man City in the showpiece in June. He was also heralded as the best goalkeeper in the world with the ball at his feet.

However, Onana has endured a disastrous start to his Man Utd career. He has conceded 36 goals in 24 for United between the Premier League and Champions League.

He also made a host of costly errors, most notably in the Champions League defeats to Galatasaray and Bayern Munich.

His latest mistake in the return game against Bayern has only added to the pressure both Onana and his manager Erik ten Hag are under.