After yet another mistake of his at the start of the season helped Bayern Munich beat Manchester United, André Onana asked for an interview.
It's a difficult time for Manchester United, and especially for André Onana, who, just a few weeks after arriving in England, has already drawn considerable criticism from the press and fans. While Erik ten Hag's team is already far behind in the league, nine points behind leaders City due to three defeats in the first five matchdays, they haven't fared any better in the Champions League either. The Red Devils were beaten 9-4 by Bayern Munich, and the only reason for satisfaction comes from the result in the other Group A match, when Galatasaray unexpectedly drew against Copenhagen after being two goals down.
Onana has conceded four goals, the first of which was a stunning error from the 27-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper, who was hit by a less than compelling shot from Leroy Sané. The goals conceded at the Allianz Arena add to the ten they've already conceded in the Premier League, again with some uncertainty, making the Red Devils the third-worst defense in the league, behind Burnley and Wolverhampton.
Onana knows he's in a tough position, but he doesn't back down and decides to address the situation head-on, as he did before the match against Bayern Munich when asked about the reason for the many goals conceded this early in the season. "When we concede goals, the responsibility lies with André Onana. My teammates are working hard, and if they have to blame anyone, it should be me because I'm the goalkeeper," Onana declared.
Twenty-four hours after the match against Bayern, the former Inter goalkeeper reiterated the same sentiments. Onana stepped forward, first speaking to TNT Sports and then asking for an interview with CBS Sports to explain what happened. Once again, he took full responsibility for what happened. "After my mistake, we lost control of the game; I was the one who let the team down," he told TNT Sports. "The team was playing well, but we didn't win because of me. My start in Manchester wasn't that good; today was one of my worst games. It was a great opportunity for us to overcome the pressure we're facing, but it was tough. We have to stick together."
Former United captain Rio Ferdinand praised Onana for speaking out after his serious, match-destroying error. "I respect him. I've also lost games, made mistakes, and sometimes refused to speak to the media. He showed he has the right personality."
Onana later spoke to CBS Sports after former Red Devil Peter Schmeichel announced: "He was the one who asked to speak to us... he wants to explain what happened." The former Inter player was blunt: "That mistake cost us the game. We didn't win today because of me." Onana has earned points with Manchester United fans thanks to his proud and honest behavior, but now it's time to deliver on the pitch.
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