Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand launched a passionate defence of Alejandro Garnacho after the winger was accused of consistently making poor decisions on the pitch.
The Argentina international started as one of the two most advanced midfielders in Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.
Garnacho’s faulty execution was on full display, especially in one or two crucial counter-attacks that broke down because he failed to release the ball to Marcus Rashford early enough.
Ex-United star Lee Sharpe pinpointed this as something Garnacho needs to work on, as he labelled the forward “a little bit greedy.”
Ipswich defender Axel Tuanzebe was also very comfortable against Garnacho and hardly needed to break a sweat.
The United n.o 17 has since come under some criticism from a section of fans, who have highlighted his weaknesses. In the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, co-host Stephen Howson provided a scathing critique of Garnacho, claiming the Carrington academy graduate “has the decision-making of a cat. It’s awful.”
Howson added that he would drop Garnacho from the starting XI, in favour of an attacking trio of Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.
Ferdinand wasn’t having any of it and responded, “Don’t talk about Garnacho like that. You can’t be perfect, he’s a kid man!”
“[Without Garnacho] no one’s running back, no one’s running in behind the opposition. I’d play Garnacho on the left.”
“This is a process we can’t expect them to look like the Sporting team now. It’s impossible, you can’t expect that to be the case.”
Garnacho will certainly be hoping for far better fortunes when United host Eliteserien outfit FK Bodø/Glimt at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
Legendary goalkeeper and former Man United great Peter Schmeichel has weighed in on Andre Onana’s errors, saying “you never feel safe.”
If there’s one person who reserves the right to pass judgment on Man United goalkeepers, then it’s certainly the big man himself.
Schmeichel, now enjoying life as a football pundit and media personality, won 15 major trophies during his time at Old Trafford and is seen as the greatest ever goalkeeper to play for the club.
Schmeichel was understanding of Matic’s response when put on the spot, saying: “He didn’t prepare that. I think it felt a little bit insulted by a comment from an opponent player.
“Especially for a former Man United player who has done really well for the club, who probably still has an interest in the club.
“These days you’ve got to talk so much to the media… at some point you might just say something that comes a little bit different.”
Speaking to Ally McCoist on talkSPORT in the wake of United’s 2-2 draw with Lyon, Schmeichel also discussed Nemanja Matic’s comments, as well as the problems that Ruben Amorim will need to iron out this summer.
Of Onana’s mistakes, he said: “It’s a difficult one. I’m not going goalkeepers’ union here, but it’s a difficult one because some people are running across you.
“The second one, again, I felt that he should have kept it. Yeah, it’s a hard shot, but it’s straight at him.”
While it’s impossible to glaze over just how bad the mistakes were, Schmeichel was also keen to consider the wider issues that Amorim is facing.
“Is he the problem? Is the defence the problem? Is the midfield? I think there are so many issues Ruben Amorim needs to sort out.
” I mean, I would be very uncomfortable with just pointing to one player”
Returning to the subject of Onana, he said: “But it’s not great to watch, I have to say that.
“You never feel safe. You never feel that, even going 2-1 up, that this is it.
“You always fear that the other team’s going to come back in the game, and they did, but a 2-2 away from home is not bad, and they’ve done well at Old Trafford in the Europa League.”
Manchester United need midfield reinforcements before next season given quite a few players seem to be heading for the exit come the summer.
Casemiro has regained form but he is 33 and does not have the legs to play week in and week out. Add his massive wages to the equation and it makes sense why INEOS want him gone.
Ideally, Ruben Amorim would prefer a versatile option who can fill in at multiple positions and allow Bruno Fernandes to play in his preferred attacking midfield position.
And Real Sociedad star Luka Sucic fits the bill with the Croatian even linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer. Formerly of RB Salzburg, United’s current head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is a fan.
The 22-year-old has three goals and two assists this season and his vision and maturity make him a standout talent. He was impressive during United’s Round of 16 Europa League win and Amorim was clearly impressed.
He ranks in the 92nd percentile for shots, 91st percentile for successful dribbles and in the 96th percentile for possession won in the final third (via fotmob), which highlights his work-rate off the ball.
As per Fichajes, even though he signed for Sociedad just last summer, the La Liga side are already open to the idea of letting him go for a large fee.
“In Luka Sucic, Real Sociedad has found one of the most promising talents in European football. His emergence in Imanol Alguacil’s team has been one of the highlights of the season for the blue and white team, which is already starting to see its name appear on the agendas of some of the most powerful clubs on the continent.
Sucic interest ramping up
“Among the most notable suitors is Manchester United, who are reportedly willing to put on the table an offer that’s hard to refuse.
“In San Sebastián, they are aware that keeping the player beyond the summer will be a complex task. Although his contract remains valid, the possibility of a multi-million-dollar sale is beginning to gain traction.”
He had arrived at Donostia, San Sebastián for only €10 million and his current market value stands at €18 million and he is likely to fetch a higher price given United’s interest.
The player has already spoken fondly about United’s reported interest in him. “United is a global giant, a respected giant in the world of football. Of course I like having my name associated with the Red Devils,” he had said.
He has already been dubbed the “next Modric” and it will be intriguing to see if the 20-time English league champions can actually get a deal for the Croatia international over the line.
Feature image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce via Getty Images
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
Manchester United could have come away with a one goal advantage from their Europa League quarter-final first-leg tie against Olympique Lyonnais on Thursday but for Andre Onana.
The Cameroonian made two huge errors in the game including one in the final minute of added time which allowed Rayan Cherki to equalise as the thrilling encounter ended 2-2.
The Argentine has not been helped by the fact that he is having to play almost every minute with Amad out injured and Marcus Rashford and Antony no longer at the club.
Garnacho out?
He is 20 and his confidence is suffering as a result and his form has meant INEOS are contemplating a summer sale with Napoli ready to pay a record sum for his services.
Ruben Amorim had fought for his stay in January but the Argentina international needs to pull up his socks if he is to stay at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.
The Sun have claimed that the Red Devils are already in the process of identifying a replacement for the former FA Youth Cup winner with Dan Ndoye of Bologna figuring high on the co-owners’ list.
“Swiss winger Dan Ndoye is being watched by the Red Devils and has been shining for the Italian club this season.
If Napoli do come back for Garnacho then Ndoye, 24, could be of interest to United and Zirkzee would have a vital role to play. The pair are friends after their time together in Italy and the Dutchman could help turn his head towards Old Trafford.
“Bologna do not want to sell but would have to listen if offers of around £30m come in for him.”
Ndoye in?
The Swiss star can play on either flank, as an attacking midfielder and even at wingback if need be with his tireless running and work-rate a perfect fit for Amorim. Incidentally, even Antonio Conte has him on his wishlist.
The 24-year-old has added ruthlessness in front of goal to is armoury, enjoying a fine season for Bologna, netting eight goals and registering five assists from 31 starts across all competitions.
The fee is also not too high and Agent Zirkzee, his former teammate, could help United get their man should they really want to sell Garnacho in the summer.
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
Manchester United decided to loan out Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa during the January window after the forward and new head coach Ruben Amorim had a major falling out.
And instead of pulling up his pants and getting to work, he decided to throw all his toys out of the pram and gave an interview in which he claimed he was ready to leave his boyhood club.
The Red Devils had no choice but to let him leave with Barcelona ultimately pulling out of a deal which forced the Carrington graduate to head to Birmingham instead.
Rashford has been decent for Villa on loan
And after three goals and five assists since joining, Unai Emery has been very pleased with what he has seen from the Englishman and wants to sign him permanently, with Villa having the option of making the loan move permanent for £40 million.
The forward has also expressed an interest in staying, having seen Thomas Tuchel include him in the England national team setup again.
But his wages could be an issue for Villa to pay especially if they miss out on Champions League football with Emery’s men currently seventh in the Premier League.
However, Paris Saint-Germain have come back in for him and it is well known that they have been long-term admirers of the England international. The Ligue 1 giants will have no problem in paying his full wages.
“ASTON VILLA are set to go head to head with Paris Saint-Germain this summer in a battle for Marcus Rashford. Manager Unai Emery has told Villa chiefs he’s confident the Manchester United forward’s head is in the right place and that signing him would help take the club to the next level.
“The big issue will be Rashford’s salary but Villa hope he could be persuaded to take a drop in his wages in order to secure a move that will help resurrect his career with the club and England.”
A bidding war could ensue between both parties, and such a scenario would suit INEOS just fine who are pretty happy with Rashford’s resurgence at Villa as they could potentially earn a higher fee from his sale.
Either way, the fee raised will count as pure profit owing to his homegrown status and the 20-time English champions will hope more teams join in the fray to raise Rashford’s price even further if possible.
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
Manchester United were pegged back late on by Olympique Lyonnais in their Europa League quarter-final first leg tie on Thursday as the thrilling encounter finished 2-2.
Joshua Zirkzee’s 88th minute strike should have been enough for the visitors to head back to Manchester with a goal advantage but Andre Onana had other ideas.
His inadequacies also hid the fact that Rasmus Hojlund endured another miserable night as he fluffed his lines time and again and looked incapable of leading the line for a club of United’s size.
Another Rasmus disasterclass
He completed two passes in 60 minutes and was rightly substituted for Zirkzee who got on the scoresheet as well. The Dane has a paltry two Premier League goals since Ruben Amorim took charge and the head coach is far from pleased with the Dane.
He wants him gone in the summer and there is interest from Italian clubs with Napoli reportedly open to a swap deal arrangement involving Victor Osimhen heading to Old Trafford in return.
Juventus are also eyeing the 22-year-old with Tuttomercatoweb claiming United will look to raise as much as €60 million from the former Atalanta star’s sale.
The Turin-based club would prefer a loan move but INEOS need the money as they look to reinvest in the squad and hence, a loan exit seems to be off the cards.
“Are Juventus really after Rasmus Hojlund, the Danish striker from Manchester United? The player is popular for several reasons: he has already played in Serie A, he is young and needs to be regenerated, he earns relatively little for a centre forward – around 4.5 per year – and the Red Devils have put him on the market for next summer.
Price tag set for summer exit
“There has been no direct contact between the teams, nor with those close to the player. Hojlund could be a good choice in the event of Vlahovic’s farewell, but his valuation is certainly not low: United are selling him, yes, but for 60 million euros.
“There is no opening for a loan because United needs to raise money , especially to finance the incoming market.”
The price seems quite far-fetched as United’s co-owners are aware of the fact that Hojlund’s value has tanked due to his miserable form and they will likely find it difficult to recoup the initial £64 million they paid in 2023.
Either way, interest in the Denmark international will please Amorim, who needs a ruthless goalscorer heading into next season.
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
Andre Onana ‘costs’ Man Utd anywhere between 15 and 30 points where David de Gea used to save them as many. Ruben Amorim must ‘drop’ the liability.
Send your thoughts to theeditor@football365.com.
Disagree to agree Looks like Onana & Matic were both right: Man Utd ARE a better team than Lyon, EXCEPT that they have a dodgy keeper! John, Chicago (who else is hoping for a Barca vs PSG final?)
You can’t hide your Lyon eyes Decent performance last night and thought we played well. But for two bad pieces of goalkeeping, and some poor finishing, it could have been the perfect European away result. There are definitely good signs that the system is starting to work, which bodes well for next season.
Let’s start with Onana. Oh Andre (or King Andre as my mate Marty often refers to him, being a super-fan)! You had to open your mouth before the game, thereby ensuring you would open your goal during it. The script was always likely to go that way. This should give the manager enough reason to drop him as you can’t make those mistakes and get away with it – question is, does he have enough faith in any of the deputies at Man Utd?
In terms of the shape, I felt we pressed well at times (although Lyon were tidy enough on the ball), the CBs provided good cover for the WBs, the MF looked solid, and we created a number of good chances. Hojlund’s lack of confidence was clear for all to see so we badly need someone in to share the load. Zirkzee came on and got the goal but definitely doesn’t seem a traditional #9 who will stretch defences, he can fill one of the 10s.
All in all, not a bad result for Man Utd and hopefully we can get the job done next week. Would be tempted to rotate at the weekend as we’re on the beach in the league anyway. Garey Vance, MUFC
Biggest downgrade in history I remember the days when a lanky dude named Obertan took over the number 7 shirt from a certain Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd. And I can confidently say that De Gea to Onana is the biggest downgrade I’ve ever seen in my life.
It’s embarrassing that a professional football club, forget one that plays in the Premier League, employees a keeper who cannot save, pass, grab, stop, kick or communicate.
Antony may have burnt 90m, but Onana was the biggest mistake Man Utd have made in 3 decades. DDG saved us 15-20 points a season and kept us in the top 8. Onana donates 15-20 poi ts a season and ensures we are in the bottom half.
Ever manager who keeps him as their number one, deserves what’s coming to them. Ten Hag got sacked, Amorim will too if this continues into next season, and they should as well because any manager that think Onana is capable of being even a Sunday league keeper, is not a manager who will ever win anything.
The worst keeper in Man Utd history, spoke sh*t pregame and got fed a pile of sh*t in game. Glad Matic had the balls to say what everyone knows. Worst. Keeper. In. History.
I dare the mailbox to name one single downgrade that single handedly cost your team 30 points or more per season.
That’s all. Aman
AMN watch Maitland-Niles watch.
Potentially on track for a second cup final with Lyon, and a second Europa league final overall. Requires Lacazette to not continue to miss sitters, and overcoming either of Rangers or Bilbao who showed some limitations.
Still think he’s got the potential to become another Milner, and a top tier prem league club should take the gamble. Whatever was affecting his headspace has potentially passed.
Never in a million years did i think i’d be advocating two french sides to get to the finals of the top two European competitions. Tom G
Inequality Interesting looking at the starting line ups for Spurs and Frankfurt today. (All numbers in Euros from transfermarkt.co.uk)
– Beating Madrid means nothing, as they are rubbish. They even lost to a clearly inferior team on the weekend – Despite being rubbish Madrid will definitely destroy Arsenal in the return leg – Liverpool are amazing, even though they lost to a clearly inferior team on the weekend – Arsenal’s recruitment has been awful for the last five years (!) and this is all Arteta’s fault – Rice is actually good and even though he was signed during Arteta’s reign as manager, Arteta deserves no credit for it. In fact it’s Arteta’s fault he doesn’t score worldie free kicks every week – Deep state PGMOLzzzzzzzz
Much love Simon Cochrane
Magical moments Dear editor,
Thank you kindly for listening (I presume) when I wrote a while back that if you put Stewie’s name at the top of the article it would prevent me from reading his downpour of negativity. I just read read through the 10th of April mailbox and to my surprise his name was at the top of the letter which allowed me to skip whatever troll inspired vomit he wrote down.
As for THAT match, I enjoyed reading how happy it made us Gooners and for me that’s what supporting your team is all about. I’m not here for the good only, I’m here for the average, the bad and everything else you can think. What I enjoy most are special moments and I’m sure we we all have one or two.
Mine are:
The most amazing goal I’ve ever seen. Dennis Bergkamp’s goal against Newcastle. Thierry Henry’s 227th goal against Leeds in his comeback. The build-up to Jack Wilshere goal against Norwich City (19-10-2013). Zlatan’s Ibrahimovic his bicycle kick in the friendly against England scoring the 5-0.
There are many more but these are the ones that pop to mind. I am curious what magical moments other readers have. Soei (Holland) Arsenal fan.
PS Gee, they’re good My that third goal stung. Let’s be honest though, even at 2-1 it would have been a mammoth task. PSG are an incredibly well drilled but also thoroughly entertaining team. Press well, maintain possession well, create chances aplenty. Shame Villa couldn’t get to HT at 1-0 but that Doue goal was rather decent. Annoying that Emery felt he had to take Cash off as he was on a yellow card. Which was never a yellow card, maybe wasn’t even a foul. Disasi is a CB, not a RB, and it really showed. Actually felt a bit for him.
A bit of fun at Villa Park next Tuesday would be nice; believing it still possible (it isn’t) until PSG score around the hour mark. Champions League QF’s though, I’d have taken that at the start of the season. Just please don’t lose at St Mary’s on Saturday. Gary AVFC, Oxford
Just a quick one. That PSG team is the best I have ever seen Villa play in almost too many years of supporting them. Bejesus. A Barca v PSG final would be glorious. I’ve seen us get battered by City, mullered by Chelsea, completely hosed by United when they were good. This PSG lot felt like they were somehow breaking all the rules. Of actual physics. With the ball they are incredible, 3 world class goals to beat us is no disgrace but OFF the ball they are bloody savage, hounding Villa down like a pack of animals. We are actually pretty good at regularly beating the press in the Premier League but had no answer to these feral ball winners. Don’t get me wrong, our inexperience showed a bit in how often we gave the ball away under little pressure at times, but PSG were awesome.
That 3rd goal really killed it for the second leg I feel, but Villa Park will be absolutely rocking and stranger things have happened. Like two Declan Rice free kicks actually going in. Funstar (Watching that was both amazing and torture, and I’m not just talking about Rio Ferdinand) Andy
Bad season for the ABLs Imagine being a Liverpool hater this season though.
First of all, in pre-season, you’re looking for any sign of a post-Klopp implosion. It isn’t there.
So when the real stuff starts you’re hoping for a post-Euros hangover. Instead they go off like a steam train.
So then by autumn you’re trotting out the line “they haven’t played anyone yet™ “, whereupon they just go and beat in-form Chelsea, Invincible Leverkusen, European Champions Real Madrid and Premier League Champions Man City.
So by new year you turn your attention to fixture congestion, hoping they lose ground in the title race with an incredibly packed February. They remain unbeaten in away games at Everton, Aston Villa and Manchester City, and beat Newcastle. While Arsenal implode.
So then you finally turn to all you have left, which is looking to next season and a dystopian Salah and Van Dijk-less future. Only for most major outlets in the last 24 hours to report new 2-year deals are about to be signed sealed and delivered.
Oh dear. Oh dearie, dearie me.
May 25th is going to be a loooong, long day for these people….. Andy H, Swansea.
It didn’t begin with Pep or Sacchi In response to Lee, if you’re wondering whether system over genius began with Arrigo Sacchi in the early 90’s, may I point you in the direction of Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Geoff Hurst, and Jimmy Greaves MBE? Uncle Albert
Pre-empting another egregious Big Weekend This weekend will surely see the end of one of the stranger winning streaks in English football.
I am of course talking of Peterborough United’s proud record of never having lost at Wembley (and before any wag suggests that is because they’ve never been there before….).
Play-off final wins, defending the whatever they’re calling it this season Football League Cup, Wembley has always been the happiest of hunting grounds for the Posh, dating back to club legends like Ken Charlery and sadly now sold academy products like Harrison Burrows.
The Barry Fry derby against Birmingham will surely be the end of this proud record, possibly unique in the English game. A chastening thrashing awaits, Dan
Inspired by Scunthorpe I guess I ought to apologise for this one but … watching the Chelsea game, when Legia’s Morishita went for goal and missed by a long way I couldn’t help thinking, you might want to take the p*ss out of Legia Warsaw but you can’t take the sh*t out of Morishita.
Okay, I’m sorry. Eagle in exile near Athens in Greece
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly set to drop Andre Onana for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Newcastle.
This comes after Onana’s calamitous performance in United’s 2-2 draw with Lyon at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday evening.
The Cameroonian was at fault for both goals conceded, costing his side a big away win that could have given them the upper hand ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford next week.
He misjudged a Thiago Almada free-kick effort, which evaded everyone before squirming into the back of the net.
With United in the lead and on course for a victory, Onana made another mistake, this time palming a shot into the path of a lurking Rayan Cherki, who was all too happy to tap it in from close range.
Cherki’s strike was the final kick of the game. Onana’s howlers followed a bitter public spat between himself and former United midfielder Nemanja Matic.
Onana said that United were “way better” than Lyon, prompting Matic to brand him one of the worst goalkeepers in the Red Devils’ history.
In his post-match presser, Amorim hinted that Onana was not guaranteed to start at St James’ Park. A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the player is also worried about his place in the team.
Now, The i Paper has revealed that the 29-year-old will indeed not start between the sticks, with deputy Altay Bayindir set to make his first Premier League appearance.
Pete Hall reports, “Andre Onana is set to be dropped for Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle United on Sunday, but the struggling goalkeeper’s exclusion could only be short-lived, with the Cameroonian expected to be back to face Lyon in next week’s make-or-break Europa League clash.”
Hall further suggests that Amorim might opt to rest captain Bruno Fernandes, with the second leg in mind.
There’s a possibility the United head coach could make sweeping changes to the lineup, as the Europa League has become the primary focus with Champions League qualification still up for grabs.
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
Manchester United U21s cruised to a comfortable 1-4 win over their Reading counterparts at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Friday.
Here are our player ratings for the match. Read the detailed match report of all the action here.
(A score of 6 is around average)
Elyh Harrison – 7.5 – A top performance in goal with an exceptional save in the dying moments to deny an effort that looked destined for the top corner. As ever, he was very impressive with his feet as he was with his hands, setting off a number of attacks with his passing.
Habeeb Ogunneye – 6 – Did well charging up field on the right flank before having to go off early due to injury in the first half.
Louis Jackson – 5.5 – A rather ropey performance upon his return from his loan spell at Tranmere Rovers where he is yet to make an appearance. The rustiness showed as he rushed his clearances, often opting for a long ball out of danger rather than a more composed pass. One of those long clearances worked out early on though as Mather scored from the Reading keeper’s blunder.
Tyler Fredricson – 7 – The more composed of the centre-backs, he was much more comfortable feeding the ball into the midfielders under pressure. Defensively he was very good, mopping up every ball into the box but got unlucky with a deflection for Reading’s goal.
Sam Murray – 6.5 – A reliable 90 minutes, he barely put a foot wrong whether it was on the left or on the right. Was composed in possession but often kept it simple.
Sekou Kone – 7 – Started the match with a bone crunching tackle which set the tone for his performance where he did the dirty stuff very well. He broke up the play and regained possession at the base of midfield and let the others run the attack.
Tyler Fletcher – 6.5 – Was particularly impressive when he broke out into space from midfield but was happy to keep it simple more often than not.
James Scanlon – 6 – Got his goal in the end but didn’t look all that comfortable on the right wing and looked to pass it backwards too often. Moved inside later on in the match where he improved and scored with a deflected effort.
Tommy Rowe – 7 – A proper player-coach performance. Filling in as a number 10, he later moved to left back and performed well in both roles. Keeping it simple he allowed the younger players to take control while also always offering an option including a very tasty flick in the build-up to the third goal.
Sam Mather – 7.5 – Another player returning from a disappointing Tranmere Rovers loan, he finished the match with a goal and two assists. Despite struggling to get the better of his marker one on one, he still came up with moments to get the job done. His pressing earned him his goal before good creativity and passing choices secured him his two assists.
Gabriele Biancheri – 7.5 – Two more goals means he now has 24 for the season, he just can’t stop scoring. His first goal was an exceptional finish on the run to find the far corner before an easy finish for his second made by his positioning in the box. Beyond his goals he worked tirelessly while pressing from the front.
Substitutes
Bendito Mantato – 6.5 – Made an immediate impact off the bench, winning the ball and playing out to launch the counter attack for Biancheri’s first goal. Offered directness and speed on the wing which Mather and Scanlon didn’t before his introduction but didn’t have the end product often enough on the night.
Reece Munro – 6 – Slotted into the back and did well.
Noah Ajayi – N/A – An U21s debut before even featuring for the U18s was a special moment for Ajayi in the final moments of the match. Did really well to shift past his marker on the wing on one occasion but couldn’t find a teammate in the box with the delivery.
Amir Ibragimov – N/A – Not on the pitch for long but got stuck in with one good slide tackle.
A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years.
With Manchester United goalkeepers in the spotlight, we’ve gone back through the Red Devils’ No.1s to consider where Andre Onana sits among his predecessors at Old Trafford.
Here’s how we’ve ranked all those who played at least 50 games since the start of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign in 1986. Which rules out the likes of Mark Bosnich, Massimo Taibi, Ben Foster, Ricardo, Andy Goram…
13) Tomas Kuszczak We start with a keeper signed from West Brom to serve as Edwin van der Sar’s deputy; although Kuszczak had ambitions of replacing the Dutchman, it was never a likely prospect.
The Poland international, capped 11 times, arrived from West Brom in 2006, by which time Van der Sar was close to turning 36. Despite staying at Old Trafford for more than five years, Van der Sar played his last game for United after Kuszczak, who saw the writing on the wall long before he was finally released in 2012, after which he accused Ferguson of holding back his career. Still, Kuszczak won three Premier League titles and a Champions League winner’s medal even it’s hard to recall any major contribution.
12) Sergio Romero Romero was a stand-in at Monaco before he joined United for free to do the same job at Old Trafford. The Argentina international, with 96 caps, became United’s cup keeper for Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho and that role seemed to suit him.
He made 61 appearances for United, keeping 39 clean sheets, while playing in the 2017 Europa League final. Romero was competent – even if some of his distribution was ropey – but was never likely to usurp De Gea, even when the Spaniard was out of form. Similar to Kuszczak, things got messy in the end, with Romero spending much of his last season away from the squad while his wife urged the club to let him go when Everton were sniffing.
11) Jim Leighton Leighton was Ferguson’s first goalkeeping signing, brought in 1988 for £750,000 from Aberdeen where the pair had enjoyed great success together. The Scotland No.1 had a reasonable first season in a poor United side which finished 11th in Division One. Still, Leighton kept 14 clean sheets and conceded more than twice on only one occasion in all competitions.
It all fell apart towards the end of his second campaign at Old Trafford. Ferguson was clinging to his job while United shambled their way to a 13th-placed finish. An FA Cup run saved Ferguson – but it buried Leighton.
The No.1 had a poor game, one of a few in 1990, in the final with two of Crystal Palace’s three goals pinned on Leighton. Ferguson made the bold call to drop him for the replay, bringing in Les Sealey, then on loan from Luton. It proved to be a masterstroke, with Sealey relishing his moment in the spotlight, keeping a clean sheet while Leighton looked shattered in the stands.
Leighton played only once more for United – a League Cup game against Halifax at The Shay – with his relationship with Ferguson irreparably broken. “We’ve never spoken since, and never will do again,” said the keeper in 2018.
It took Leighton three years before he began rebuilding his career north of the border with Hibs, where he regained his international place.
10) Roy Carroll Carroll was signed from Wigan in 2001, initially to be back up to Fabien Barthez, with a view to perhaps one day replacing the Frenchman. That finally happened late in his second season when Ferguson lost faith in Barthez amid a title battle with Arsenal.
Carroll helped get United over the line but was immediately presented with a new challenge when Tim Howard turned up. The American won the battle for the gloves in his first year but his second season saw an even contest with no outright winner.
It was during that season, amid a run of 22 Premier League matches for United, that Carroll got away with fumbling Pedro Mendes’ late, long-distance hoik, a moment that is now inextricably linked with his name. More costly was a mistake in the first leg of a Champions League last-16 tie against AC Milan which prompted another rotation.
Carroll left at the end of that season when Ferguson finally stopped faffing with his keepers.
9) Tim Howard Few had heard of Howard when he was signed from NY/NJ Metrostars in 2003 for £2.3million. But the then-24-year-old was thrust straight into the United team with Ferguson having run out of patience with Barthez.
His first season started well and all seemed to be going swimmingly until March, when Howard parried a late Porto free-kick in the Champions League last 16 to prompt Jose Mourinho’s touchline dash and kickstart the Portuguese manager’s ascent to become one of Ferguson’s main foes.
After that, Howard struggled for consistent form. In 2004/05, he and Carroll auditioned for the role of United’s No. 1 but both kept fumbling their lines so the job went to Van der Sar.
Howard went to become one of the Premier League’s most reliable keepers at Everton. Perhaps if he’d gone to Everton first, he’d have been ready to take the responsibility at United later in his career.
8) Andre Onana When it was decided that De Gea wasn’t Erik ten Hag’s type, and that United needed a more modern goalkeeper, Onana was identified as the ideal candidate. Most people agreed – indeed, the Cameroonian was expected to make a big difference to how United could build. Let’s not pretend there was any backlash to his signing.
Has Onana made a big difference to United as a unit? Nope. Is that his fault? Not entirely.
But it is his responsibility to stop the ball going in the net, and that fundamental task for any goalkeeper – traditional or modern – is what he has struggled with most. Onana has pulled off some great saves. But he’s dropped many a bollock. And such unpredictability is not a price worth paying for a playmaker in gloves. Which he’s not anyway.
As this list highlights, you need to be a big character to fill the goal at Old Trafford. And Onana certainly has the necessary ego. But too much of his confidence seems misplaced. Goalkeepers need to ooze self-belief, and they can fake it to some extent when they don’t always feel it, but that assurance needs to spread throughout the team. Onana puts everyone around him on edge, and the bravado will only heighten that uneasiness while he fails to back it up.
7) Gary Walsh Walsh is the only homegrown keeper on this list, and were it not for injuries, he might have ranked considerably higher.
The Wigan-born stopper was given his debut in Ferguson’s sixth league game in charge at Old Trafford. Fergie inherited Chris Turner – and Gary Bailey, but by then injuries had taken their toll – but evidently preferred Walsh, despite the teenager’s inexperience.
Walsh ended Ferguson’s first season as No.1 and began the 1987/88 season with the gloves. But a serious head injury, sustained in a mid-season friendly in Bermuda in which Ferguson brought himself on as a centre-forward, ended the youngster’s campaign, at the end of which Ferguson moved for Leighton.
Walsh stuck around for seven more seasons but never threatened to regain the No.1 spot or fulfil the potential that made Fergie put an 18-year-old in his net. His final season, as one of Schemeichel’s back-ups in 1994/95, saw Walsh play the most games since his initial breakthrough, but he had to leave Old Trafford – initially for Middlesbrough then Bradford – to forge a career as a No.1.
6) Raimond Van der Gouw Too handsome to be first-choice goalkeeper but Van der Gouw was a hugely reliable presence for Ferguson when he needed a back-up for Peter Schmeichel.
When Schmeichel left and it quickly became clear that Bosnich wasn’t up to the job of replacing the Great Dane, Van der Gouw once again stepped in with no fuss to guard United’s goal while Ferguson tried again to find a successor to Schmeichel. That was the only season in which he made enough appearances to qualify for a title winner’s medal.
Overall, in six seasons at Old Trafford, Van der Gouw managed 60 appearances. No in his 60s, he still looks like he might do a job…
5) Fabien Barthez None of what the modern goalkeeper is doing is revolutionary. Barthez was playing as an 11th outfielder at Old Trafford 20 years ago.
Having failed with his initial attempts to replace Schmeichel, first with Bosnich then Taibi, Ferguson turned to Barthez in 2000. The France star, a World Cup and European Championship winner, was one of only three keepers Fergie felt could improve his team. The others: Oliver Kahn and Gianluigi Buffon. Hence why he paid Monaco £7.8million for the then 28-year-old.
His first season was brilliant fun. Barthez saved penalties and quite often took the p*ss out of opposition strikers. Paolo Di Canio gave it back when he knocked United out of the FA Cup while Barthez tried to pretend he had been flagged offside, but overall, the French keeper was a huge hit.
Until he wasn’t. His second season saw Barthez make more mistakes but Ferguson considered the risk to be worth the reward. In his third campaign, Fergie’s patience finally snapped and Barthez was bombed out after the defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League. Carroll came in and Barthez was packed off back to Marseille.
4) Les Sealey Sealey wasn’t United’s No.1 for a long time, but he was determined to make it a good time…
His selection for the 1990 FA Cup final replay stunned everyone – especially Leighton – but Ferguson got the massive call right. “Was he a better keeper than Jim? No, but he thought he was, and that can sometimes be important.”
Palace wrongly thought they could rough him up at Wembley but the brash Cockney wasn’t to be intimidated by them or the job of being Fergie’s No.1 the following season. Sealey was superb and became a Stretford End favourite. As Ferguson said, the ex-Luton veteran wasn’t the most technically accomplished stopper or the finest physical specimen. But he defended United’s goal as if his life depended on it.
It almost did. In the 1991 League Cup final, Sealey received a gash to his knee that almost went to the bone. Despite being urged to come off, the keeper was having none of it. He demanded to be strapped up and allowed to continue. Later, with an infection in the wound, he collapsed in the airport on the way back to Manchester. Had he boarded the flight, it might have cost Sealey his leg or possibly his life.
Inevitably he was back, with a heavily bandaged knee, for the European Cup Winners’ Cup final against Barcelona a few weeks later, helping Ferguson to win his second trophy after playing such a huge role in the first. That summer, Schmeichel came in and Sealey departed, briefly, before Ferguson brought him back to serve as Schmeichel’s understudy.
Tragically, Sealey suffered a heart attack and died seven years after leaving United for a second time in 1994.
3) David de Gea You might reasonably argue that De Gea merits a higher ranking. Some suggested in the wake of his departure in 2023 that he could be viewed as United’s best ever, with four Player of the Season awards presented as evidence.
It’s a compelling argument, reinforced by his longevity. Only six players have ever played more games for United than the Spaniard they signed in 2011 from Atletico Madrid. He arrived a boy, one who didn’t look likely to be around very long, but went on to become one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
But, somewhere along the line, perhaps around the time he signed that massive new deal in 2019, De Gea became outdated. He slipped from being Spain’s No.1 to being overlooked completely, while obvious flaws in his game – his struggles with high balls into his box and a lack of quality with the ball at his feet – weren’t corrected.
It came to a head in 2022/23 when it became clear that De Gea wasn’t Ten Hag’s type. Still, he made some wonderful saves – dropped a few clangers too – to the point that Ten Hag seemed to feel he would be able to make do with the 32-year-old. Until the manager changed his mind and decided that replacing De Gea had become a priority during what was a huge summer. One they made a complete bollocks of.
United should have handled his exit far better and he ought to have been given the send-off he deserved. That, and the fact it was the right call if clumsily processed, does not denigrate a stellar United career played out under six permanent managers. But this pair, perhaps helped by the fact they were fortunate to play in far better teams, make a better case for the top two spots…
2) Edwin van der Sar Ferguson put it best in his autobiography…
‘We had a bad period trying to replace Peter Schmeichel. It’s maybe not my strong point. It wasn’t until we brought in Edwin that we got back to the level we had with Peter. Edwin was a great buy for us, absolutely brilliant. Looking back, I just wish we’d got him when Peter decided to leave.’
United signed six senior keepers in the six years between Schmeichel’s departure and Van der Sar’s arrival. Perhaps that period gave the Holland international the chance to better prepare for the demands of the role. When he finally arrived, close to turning 35, he was experienced enough to handle the pressure and, frankly, make the job that so many others struggled with look a piece of p*ss.
Despite his age, Van der Sar kept Fergie’s goal for six seasons, eventually retiring aged 40. The ex-Ajax, Juventus and Fulham keeper, with 130 caps, won four Premier League titles and played a huge role in winning the Champions League for United in 2008. Sure, it helped playing behind Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but Van der Sar was a flawless presence and a key cog in arguably Ferguson’s best-ever side.
1) Peter Schmeichel United’s best-ever keeper. Arguably the game’s greatest ever.
Between 1991 and 1999, Schmeichel filled United’s goal, if not by his physical bulk then by the sheer heft of his personality. The Great Dane was a force too intimidating for many strikers, with most wilting as they raced through with only Schmeichel to beat.
In those one-on-one situations, Schmeichel made mainstream the star-shaped smoother, blocking out the entire goal behind him, with arms and legs akimbo. His distribution added another new dimension to United, with an arrowed throw so long it turned opposition defences. Other aspects of his game, technically, weren’t easy on the eye but goalkeeping is an art and Schmeichel had it mastered.
He kept goal throughout United’s first title under Ferguson, their first and second doubles and, of course, the Treble, bringing down the curtain on his United career with the 1999 Champions League final. Some say he tarnished his legacy somewhat by returning to the Premier League with Villa and then Manchester City, but only the most churlish United fan would view Schmeichel’s achievements any less favourably for what came after an incredible eight-season stint making United’s goal the most secure in England.
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has claimed it would be “ridiculous” to point the finger at Andre Onana for the club’s failure to beat Olympique Lyonnais on Thursday evening.
United were held to a 2-2 draw at the Groupama Stadium in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.
Onana was at fault for both goals conceded, failing to keep out Thiago Almada’s free kick before spilling a shot from Georges Mikautadze in the dying embers of the match, which allowed Rayan Cherki to tap in home from close range.
Cherki’s stoppage-time strike came seven minutes after Zirkzee thought he had won the game for his side.
However, this has done little to quell the criticism being aimed at the Cameroonian, with growing calls for him to be dropped ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
Zirkzee spoke to reporters and gave his verdict on Onana’s disastrous display.
The Dutchman said [as quoted by Manchester Evening News], “100 percent. We’re one team, so we’re not going to take someone out for making mistakes. That’s ridiculous.”
“To draw in this way is always a little bit, I don’t want to say frustrating, but it hurts for it to go this way. But it was what it is and we just have to focus on the next game and that’s Newcastle away. And then we all know what we have to do when we face them again at home next week.”
“I’m sure with the full support of the stadium it’s going to be difficult for them and easier for us, but they’re a great team, let’s not forget that, and it’s not going to be easy, but we all want to win, we have to win, so we’ll see.”
He added, “We have to win [the Europa League], we all know that. There’s no way around that. It’s the only thing we have to do.”
Zirkzee remarked about his goal, “The goals are always great, but in the end we have to win, and that’s the priority.”
“I did a bit of training, it was the exact way I trained my headers this past week. So it was, yeah, if you want to call it coincidence, but for it to happen this way was very nice.”
United are back in action on Sunday when they go away to St James’ Park to face Eddie Howe’s Newcastle. Kick-off is at 16:30 BST.
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
