In a recent UEFA Europa League confrontation, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes criticized goalkeeper Andre Onana following a disappointing performance in the first leg against Lyon. The match saw United concede a goal early due to a lackluster effort from Onana, especially when Thiago Almada’s free-kick slipped past him—a scenario that Scholes labeled as a particularly straightforward save that slipped through the goalkeeper’s grasp. The situation worsened for United when Rayan Cherki capitalized on a parried shot from Onana, skillfully guiding the ball into the back of the net. These errors have raised questions about Onana’s current form and have led to substantial criticism from football analysts.
After the match, Scholes did not hold back in expressing his concerns, stating that Onana needs to elevate his performance level. Notably, Scholes highlighted the goalkeeper’s habit of commenting on other teams and personnel; he suggested that Onana should reconsider such remarks in light of his own performance struggles. “He needs to be better,” Scholes conveyed bluntly. He elaborated further on the implications these performance issues might have on team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of competition for a starting position in a team like Manchester United. “There are strong considerations regarding budget and priorities. One has to wonder if Manchester United can afford to not invest in a new goalkeeper given Onana’s recent displays,” he asserted.
Scholes also nostalgically reflected on Onana’s past performances at Ajax and Inter Milan, painting a picture of a capable player who has, unfortunately, failed to replicate that success at United. The expert continued, underscoring the goalkeeper’s deficiencies in passing and distribution, which have not matched the expectations set by his previous stints. For Ruben Amorim, the head coach, these factors present a considerable challenge, as he has many points to address within the team amid growing pressure.
In a bid to counter criticism, Onana took to social media to remind his critics of his achievement in winning last year’s FA Cup, firmly establishing that his contributions have, indeed, included trophy-winning moments—something that former United midfielder Nemanja Matic lacked during his tenure at the club. However, Scholes responded pointedly, suggesting that Onana might regret his pre-game statements. “He’s probably wishing he kept his mouth shut before the game. That was a really poor mistake,” Scholes remarked.
The ex-midfielder dissected Onana’s actions during the game, suggesting that the goalkeeper’s thought process may have faltered in critical moments. The initial confusion over whether Cherki was offside quickly transformed into a moment of disbelief as Onana misjudged a seemingly straightforward clearance, leading to what Scholes deemed as an avoidable blunder—regrettable for both the player and the team.
Former England international Karen Carney echoed Scholes’ sentiments, highlighting how Onana’s pre-match comments placed additional pressure on him, necessitating a strong performance that simply wasn’t delivered. Carney noted, “When you make noise like that, you must back it up with your performances,” expressing disappointment in Onana’s inability to secure the game, particularly when playing in a hostile away environment.
The cautionary tale continued as United initially believed they had commanded a 2-1 lead going into the closing minutes. Yet, Onana’s errors resurfaced during Cherki’s late equalizer, once again shaking the foundation of United’s defense and decision-making as they headed back to Old Trafford with merely a draw rather than a win. The lingering questions about Amorin’s strategies and Onana’s role linger as they prepare for the decisive second leg, leaving the team’s future uncertain as they navigate through these pivotal moments in the competition.
