Manchester United’s turbulent start to the new campaign could have been much worse had it not been for the form of goalkeeper Andre Onana.
In fact, it was the Cameroonian, who came up with a few incredible saves, who saved Ruben Amorim from a debut defeat against Ipswich Town on Sunday.
The 28-year-old was subjected to plenty of criticism after his arrival in Manchester but is now demonstrating the performance levels that persuaded United to part with north of £45 million in the summer of 2023.
Figures are now backing up Onana with the United No 1 boasting a 75% save percentage, which is the highest of any goalkeeper that has faced over 150 shots in the Premier League, as confirmed by football analyst, Statman Dave.
Andre Onana has a 75% save percentage since the start of last season, the highest of any goalkeeper to have faced over 150 shots in the Premier League.
Top shot stopper. ✅ pic.twitter.com/4jHoB4RrZo
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 27, 2024
The pair of saves to deny Ipswich hit-man Liam Delap at Portman Road were outstanding, with the first likely to be a contender for save of the season.
The big keeper rushed off his line and made himself as big as possible with Delap’s shot from five yards out hitting his hand and going out.
The impressive save was one of many the former Inter man has made this season and there is no doubt United are now getting the best out of the talented goalie.
There’s no denying Onana’s life at Old Trafford started in shaky fashion owing to some horrendous mistakes in the early parts of last season which played a major role in United crashing out at the group stage of the Champions League.
Onana continued to look less than comfortable between the sticks but wasn’t given much protection from the tactics deployed by Erik ten Hag that saw United concede countless shots every game.
However, Onana has grown in confidence since the back end of the previous campaign and has carried that into the new season.
New head coach Ruben Amorim will be desperate for his keeper to continue his strong form and save his boss a further headache with other areas of the squad in dire need of improvement.
Onana is expected to feature in United’s midweek Europa League encounter against Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
