Edwin van der Sar has expressed bewilderment at Andre Onana's struggles at Manchester United, insisting the goalkeeper remains 'tremendous' despite being allowed to leave the club. Onana, who joined United from Inter Milan in 2023, endured a difficult spell at Old Trafford before moving to Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan last summer, with no permanent option included.
Speaking to Sky Bet, the former United and Ajax goalkeeper reflected on his time working with Onana at Ajax. 'I worked with Andre Onana for three or four years at Ajax. He came in as a third-choice goalkeeper and was very eager to step up and become the first choice. I thought, and I still think, that he has tremendous qualities – reflections and his feet – but somehow, he has the odd mistake in him that makes you think 'That's crazy, how can he do that',' said Van der Sar.
Van der Sar attributed Onana's inconsistency to the lack of stability at Manchester United over recent years. 'Manchester United haven't had stability for the last six or seven years – the back four changing, the centre-halves and midfielders changing, coaches changing – so, it's difficult for new players to come into an environment where the expectations are high,' he added. 'A team wants stability, to know what your goalkeeper is doing so the back four can relate and I think that's what happened with Andre.'
Onana has made 21 appearances for Trabzonspor this season, keeping just four clean sheets. The club sit third in the Turkish Super Lig, seven points behind leaders Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Senne Lammens, signed as Onana's replacement at United, has impressed in his debut campaign.
