Andre Onana needs to go back to basics if he is to get his Manchester United career back on track, even though a departure would make most sense this summer.
That’s according to André Kana-Biyik, speaking to Africa Foot, who believes it may already be the end of the road for Onana at Old Trafford.
The goalkeeper has found himself in the firing line over the last week after something of a horror show in the Europa League clash with Lyon last week.
He was at fault for both goals, first misjudging a free kick before then spilling a shot late on to let Lyon equalise at the death.
It capped off a poor week for the goalkeeper, who had found himself in a war of words with Nemanja Matic, who labelled him the worst Manchester United goalkeeper ever after Onana had insisted they were better than Lyon and would beat them.
It’s not the first time Onana has been vocal and ended up embarrassed, and Biyik believes he now needs to stop and go back to basics, including what he does on the pitch.
“For a guardian of his level, this is not normal,” he said.
“There’s something wrong. Yes, his teammates are responsible, but it is a whole. He also has his share. In addition to the team’s problems, I think he should focus only on football.
“On his game, for example: diving, hands-on, play on the feet. He must understand that he is neither a playmaker nor a defender. Does he want to kick-start? Let him make simpler choices. And it should also avoid making certain statements.
“Explain to me what this (his statements) is for, apart from creating unnecessary tension? Don’t mind. When you’re going through a hard time, when your performance doesn’t live up to your talent, you focus only and only on your game. Otherwise, you lose concentration. Onana is an experienced keeper, I didn’t understand why he said that.”
Whether Onana can get back on track remains to be seen, with him dropped for the subsequent clash against Newcastle United.
That game didn’t go particularly well for his replacement, Altay Bayindir, whose error in the 4-1 defeat could not have come at a worse time for him.
The decision on who takes up Manchester United’s number 1 jersey here on out is a tough on for Ruben Amorim to make, but Biyik believes the dye may be cast and thinks Onana should be looking to depart anyway.
“I have no advice to give him, but I still think it would be better for him to leave Manchester United,” he added.
“He needs a more stable, calmer environment, where, above all, he is trusted. I have the impression that the Manchester leaders do not trust him much. There could be many movements in the next transfer of the workforce.
“Onana remains a very good keeper, but his season is difficult. This could make it hesitate large European clubs. But there will always be coaches who know the value of the player and who will be interested. He did not lose all his qualities in a few months.”
