Edwin van der Sar Expresses Bafflement Over Andre Onana's Manchester United Struggles
Legendary former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has voiced his confusion regarding Andre Onana's challenging time at Old Trafford, despite hailing the Cameroonian as a 'tremendous' talent. Onana, who joined Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan this season, is expected to depart United permanently soon, with the club reportedly eager to sell.
Onana's Rocky Road at Old Trafford
Andre Onana endured a difficult couple of campaigns at Manchester United following his high-profile move from Inter Milan. His tenure was marked by inconsistent performances, leading to his loan departure to Trabzonspor in the summer. While there is no permanent option in the deal, sources indicate United are keen to finalise his exit in the near future.
Van der Sar, who worked closely with Onana during their time together at Ajax, remains puzzled by the goalkeeper's struggles in the Premier League. 'I worked with Andre Onana for three or four years at Ajax,' the Dutchman told Sky Bet. '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.''
Instability at Manchester United Cited as Key Factor
The former United star pointed to the club's prolonged instability as a significant contributor to Onana's issues. 'A team wants stability, to know what your goalkeeper is doing so the back four can relate and I think that's what happened [the issue] with Andre,' van der Sar explained. '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, not only for goalkeepers but also for a winger or midfielder.'
He added that many players have failed to meet expectations at United in recent years, noting: 'A lot of players who have come here in the last eight or nine years have not reached the level that people expected them to reach.'
High Hopes Dashed by Reality
Van der Sar admitted he initially believed Onana would thrive at United. 'I absolutely thought that he would succeed when he first came here to United. As I said, I worked with him and saw him at Ajax, he did well in Italy and played in a Champions League final, so I thought it was a match made in heaven.'
However, Onana's performances have not lived up to those expectations. At Trabzonspor this season, he has made 21 appearances, keeping just four clean sheets. The club currently sits third in the Turkish Super Lig, trailing leaders Galatasaray by seven points.
Replacement Shines as Onana's Future Remains Uncertain
Manchester United moved swiftly to replace Onana, signing Senne Lammens in the summer. The new goalkeeper has enjoyed an impressive debut season at Old Trafford, further cementing Onana's likely permanent departure. As van der Sar reflects on what might have been, the focus at United shifts to building stability and integrating players who can thrive under the immense pressure at one of football's most storied clubs.
