Manchester United decided to replace their long-servant David de Gea in the summer of 2023. Having joined the club in 2011, De Gea made more than 500 appearances for the English club. He was a wall at the back for the Red Devils and won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Europa League during his time at Old Trafford. Despite winning the Premier League Golden Glove in the 2022–23 season, Manchester United decided to replace him in the summer. The Spanish keeper was offered a new contract, but both parties failed to agree on terms.
On came Andre Onana, last season’s UEFA Champions League finalist with Inter Milan. The Cameroonian international showed his class in the all-important match but was unable to taste glory with the club. Onana’s move to Old Trafford has not worked in his favour. The goalkeeper is leaking goals and made some poor mistakes in Manchester United’s recent Champions League tie. Let’s take a look at why Manchester United should have relied on their Spanish soldier.
Disappointing start in England
Andre Onana’s reign as Manchester United’s No. 1 started with a clean sheet against Wolves in his first Premier League game of his career. The goalkeeper made some crucial saves but made a mistake towards the end, and this was ignored by the referee and VAR officials. This was the first of the three clean sheets that Onana has kept this season.
The 27-year-old has made 10 appearances for his new club in all competitions and conceded 18 goals. His average rate of conceding goals per 90 minutes is 1.6. Andre Onana has faced 49 shots, and 31 have been saved by the Cameroonian.
Last season, Onana was a wall for Inter Milan in the defence. He played 42 games for the Italian giants and kept 19 clean sheets. Onana conceded 36 times, averaging less than a goal per 90 minutes. His save percentage was similar to what he had this season.
Was replacing De Gea the right choice?
David de Gea was in his prime during the 2022–23 campaign. He played in 58 combined games in all competitions and kept 25 clean sheets. The Spanish keeper conceded 61 goals and made 2.5 saves per 90 minutes. David de Gea was known for his shot-stopping ability, and the Spanish international saved Manchester United on several occasions.
The above viz shows the percentile rank of these two players from last season. It can be observed that Onana was a ball-playing goalkeeper, and that is why he was brought into the team. De Gea was dominant in winning the aerial duels. Both players had similar stats in the 2022–23 campaign.
Andre Onana is under a lot of pressure. He has made some silly errors, and his transfer is now being questioned. The goalkeeper will look to improve in the upcoming matches and help his new team rise in the league table.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
