“Single-handedly supercharged our season”, “Changed the game” - Manchester United fans in awe of 28-year-old after 3-0 win at Southampton
Manchester United fans hailed Andre Onana after their goalkeeper came to the rescue in a 3-0 win against 10-man Southampton on Saturday (September 14). The Cameroonian shot-stopper produced a vital save to deny Cameron Archer from the spot.
The Saints had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 33rd minute when Diogo Dalot brought Tyler Dibling down in the box. Archer stood over the penalty for a lengthy period and found his attempt denied by Onana.
Manchester United responded with Matthijs de Ligt opening the scoring two minutes later. Marcus Rashford made it 2-0 in the 41st minute to end a worrying goal drought.
Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench and forced Jack Stephens into a reckless foul. The Saints defender was handed a straight red card for the challenge and the Argentine attacker finished the hosts off in the 90+6th minute.
Onana's penalty save was crucial as Southampton were in control of proceedings up until that turning point. He impressed throughout, making three saves and looking reliable throughout at St Mary's.
The Cameroon international has spent large portions of his Manchester United spell under scrutiny. Some have questioned whether he's the right man to replace David de Gea but performances like today will help silence his critics.
Fans were delighted with his display with one fan making sure his penalty save was highlighted:
"Andre Onana completely changed the game, after that point I thought it was one of our best performances under ETH. UTFR."
Another fan stressed the importance of Onana's save:
"Andre Onana has single-handedly supercharged our season."
More fans on X gave Onana his flowers with one echoing those sentiments:
"Andre Onana. the streets won't forget your penalty save that changed the momentum of the game."
Another fan wrote:
"DON'T FORGET WHAT ONANA DID BY THE WAY!! He had his doubters (even last night lol) but has transformed this match."
One fan heralded Onana:
"Huge praise for Onana, that penalty save completely flipped the game for us."
One fan was pleased for the constantly under-fire goalkeeper:
"Thank you, Andre Onana. A massive moment for our keeper today to save that penalty and get us on track. Very, VERY important from him."
Another fan posted a hilarious meme:
"Onana."
Another fan talked up the former Inter Milan shot-stopper as:
"Onana might be the best goalkeeper I've ever seen in my life."
One Manchester United fan deemed him incredible:
"ONANA INCREDIBLE TODAY! Would've been a much different game and could've become very toxic if not for his heroics today!"
Andre Onana admits it's 'not easy' to play with everchanging Manchester United defenses
Onana has been a mainstay in Manchester United's starting lineup since arriving from Inter last summer. He'd been the heir to De Gea, one of the Red Devils' greatest-ever goalkeepers.
The Cameroonian hasn't had a settled back four during his United spell. He touched on this when speaking to TNT Sports after the win at Southampton:
"Yes, it’s not always easy to change all the time, the back four, but sometimes you have to be pragmatic. There are things in life we cannot control; injuries and other things, so we have to deal with the situation."
Onana kept his second clean sheet of the season with the victory over the Saints. The Red Devils have started the Premier League campaign with two wins from four games and their shot-stopper has been impressive.