Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana took full responsibility for his part in the Premier League side’s 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League Group A opener on Wednesday night.
The Cameroonian was at fault for Leroy Sane’s opener for the Bavarians as he spilled the German’s shot into his own goal to put the home team ahead at the Allianz Arena.
Although United fought hard to score three goals of their own through summer signing Rasmus Hojlund’s first strike for the club and a brace from Casemiro, Bayern held on for the win, with Serge Gnabry, Harry Kane, and substitute Mathys Tel all scoring one goal apiece.
Our #UCL campaign starts with defeat in Munich.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 20, 2023
Onana, who was brought in during the summer window to replace Spanish goalkeeper and United legend David De Gea, has found the beginning of his life with the Red Devils really tough and he also admitted after the game against Bayern that it was “one of the worst games I’ve played”.
He said: “It’s difficult to lose this way as we started very good but after my mistake, we lost control of the game.”
“I’m happy for the work of the team but we have to move on – that is the life of a goalkeeper. We didn’t win today because of me.
“Their first shot on target, I made a mistake, so the team went down because of that mistake. I have to learn, be strong and move on although it’s not an easy situation. I’m happy with the comeback of the team, we were fighting until the end.
“It’s a difficult situation for us, and me, as I let the team down. The team was really good but it was because of me we didn’t win this game.
“I have a lot to prove. My start in Manchester has not been good or how I want. The way I played today was one of my worst games.
“It’s difficult as we are a big club who wants to win everything. It was a good opportunity to bounce back after the situation we are facing – it’s a tough time, we have to be together and continue to work hard.”
Since his move from Inter Milan this summer, the 27-year-old has kept just one clean sheet and conceded 14 goals in six games, including letting in three or more goals in three consecutive games in all competitions for the first time since December 1978.
Despite his poor form, United manager Erik Ten Hag was in defense of his goalie, saying it was one mistake and it shouldn’t be blown out of proportion.
“In football, there will always be mistakes,” the dutchman said. “There was one mistake, so also, don’t make it bigger than it is.
“As I said already, it was not only Andre that let in that goal, there were more. And after that, he made in the second half great saves for us so he shows his capabilities and he will bounce back and he is an important player.
“It’s good he’s doing that [owning the mistake] but it’s about the team. Mistakes can be made but you need to bounce back as a team.
“When you score three goals and one player makes a mistake, it’s gone. We have to believe we can bounce back, tonight we showed it. You have to stay in the game and keep going despite mistakes,” Ten Hag concluded.
The Red Devils have found life tough since the beginning of the new campaign, with two wins and four defeats in their opening six games in all competition.
Ten Hag’s side have been riddled with injuries this season, and with a few of the players set to return, they will have a chance to kickstart their season when they travel to Turf Moor this weekend to take on Burnley in the Premier League.
