Tim Howard has weighed in on André Onana’s boldness in the face of criticism, particularly expressing shock at the Cameroon international’s recent comments.
Onana and his defence let in 84 goals in the 2023/34 season, a record-high number of goals conceded for the Red Devils in their footballing history. Most of the goals were defensive lapses but a good number of them were goalkeeping errors.
Some of them were also due to the Cameroonian’s penchant for the flamboyant, a quirk he has been particularly criticised for.
Onana has never betrayed any emotion relating to disappointment or remorse in his press conferences or interviews despite breaking the goals conceded record for a Manchester United goalkeeper. Instead, he shows defiance in the face of criticism while assuring the club’s fanbase that he will come good.
At the start of pre-season, the former AFC Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper sat down with Manchester United’s media to give his thoughts on the upcoming season to the fans. In that fateful interview which has become the cause of Howard’s befuddlement, Onana told the fans to be prepared as he will be taking a lot more risks in 2024/25.
“That’s me,” he answered when asked about his risky approach to games. “And I think it’s what you’re gonna see this season because I will take a lot of risks. I can tell you in advance already! Be prepared because it’s gonna be this season, trust me! I will enjoy it even more when this season starts.”
Onana continues to enjoy the confidence of Erik ten Hag and starred in their 1 – 0 opening-day win against Fulham last Friday. Howard, however, is worried about the Cameroon international’s comments and his overall approach to the game.
Speaking to NBC Sports, Howard said: “I’m rarely surprised at things in football. [But] I was utterly shocked to hear Onana say ‘Be prepared I will take a lot more risks this season.’”
“He conceded 58 [league] goals, that number has to come down, he can ill-afford to make too many mistakes. Some of the goals that went past him were very, very saveable. The fact he’s willing to take more risks I guess is exciting and compelling. I wasn’t convinced last year, but right now he has a lot to prove.”
“He has brilliant ability but he hasn’t put that into place and too many goals are going in that need to be saved.”
