Legend explains the reasons behind Onana's failure at MU

Edwin van der Sar explains the causes of Andre Onana's failure at Manchester United and shares his belief in Senne Lammens and the revitalized image of the Red Devils.

The legend Edwin van der Sar openly discussed the factors behind Andre Onana's inability to succeed at Manchester Unitedand also gave a positive assessment of the new goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Onana joined Man United in 2023 from Inter for a fee of £47 million to replace David de Gea. Having worked with the Cameroonian keeper during his time managing Ajax, Van der Sar believed he was the "perfect fit" for Old Trafford. However, things quickly went off track.

In his home debut against Lens, Onana shocked fans by being lobbed from midfield. That was just the start of a series of costly errors that directly impacted the Red Devils' Champions League campaign. The low point came when he made two mistakes leading to goals in a 2-2 draw with Lyon in the Europa League, after heavy criticism from Nemanja Matic. Onana's final match for Man United was even more forgettable, as he again erred resulting in the team's elimination from the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town. Shortly after, the goalkeeper was loaned to Trabzonspor and was even excluded from Cameroon's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Van der Sar acknowledged: “Onana possesses excellent qualities in reflexes and footwork. But sometimes he makes baffling mistakes. A team needs consistency from its goalkeeper so the defense can have confidence. Man United has lacked stability in defense and coaching for many years, which puts huge pressure on new players.”

On the other hand, Man United gave an opportunity to Senne Lammens after deciding not to sign Emi Martinez. The 23-year-old Belgian keeper is impressing with a solid style, confidence in aerial duels, and minimal errors.

Van der Sar commented: “He is doing well. Although only a few months in, Lammens has shown he can handle the intensity of the Premier League. He catches decisively, makes crucial saves, and is unflashy. If he continues developing properly, Lammens could have a long future at Man United.”

Additionally, Van der Sar praised the new look of the Red Devils under Michael Carrick, stating the team is gradually rediscovering its traditional identity, something fans have awaited for many years.