“He’s somebody who has stepped up” - Darren Bent makes confident claim about 28-year-old Manchester United star despite club’s struggles
Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has praised Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana. He suggested that despite the Red Devils' poor start to the season, the shotstopper has become a solid performer for the side.
He said (via talkSPORT):
“He is somebody who has stepped up. He is making save upon save. Yes, he might make the odd mistake, but which goalkeeper doesn’t?”
Manchester United have kept four clean sheets and let in nine goals in eight games in the Premier League this season. Onana's performances have been handy in that regard and the Cameroonian has kept the side in games where they have struggled to perform well. Notably, he made a splendid double save in the first half against Fenerbahce in the Europa League in a game United eventually drew 1-1.
The Red Devils have endured a difficult start to the season, finding themselves in 13th in the table after just 11 points from eight games. They are winless in the Europa League from their first three games as well and are 21st in the table. Manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping that other United players will find their form like Onana has amidst concerns over his job security.
Erik ten Hag makes interesting claim about Manchester United's loss to Tottenham
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made a surprising statement over the side's 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford earlier this month. The Dutchman suggested that since the Red Devils had a man sent off wrongly, the performance of the team should not be assessed.
Speaking to the press after their 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce on October 24, he said:
"I deny that game, ignore that game against Spurs because we were downsized to ten with a 1-0 losing position. And then the red card was overturned. So I totally ignore that game.
"That is not a fair assessment of the team to take this into consideration because we didn't have the chance to bounce back."
Manchester United were already 1-0 down and on the back foot for most of the fixture until Bruno Fernandes received his marching orders in the 42nd minute. Spurs then added two more goals to complete the hammering. Fernandes' card, though, was rescinded after the game.
The result was part of a string of underperforming outings for Ten Hag's side. With just one win in their last seven across competitions, they will be hoping to get back on track against West Ham in the Premier League.