Why Andre Onana will ‘make mistakes’ for Man Utd despite boasting ‘absolutely crazy’ skill as Andy Cole assesses £47m goalkeeper

The Cameroonian goalkeeper, who has been recalled by his national team this season, completed a £47 million ($60m) move to Old Trafford from Inter Milan during the summer transfer window. He has endured a testing start to life in England – with a pre-season outing that saw him lobbed from the halfway line being followed by criticism of performances in the Premier League that have seen him concede some questionable goals.

Onana is, however, still finding his feet and Cole believes that the 27-year-old will prove to be a shrewd addition to the Red Devils squad. He is always going to have an error in him, which may prove costly at times, but his distribution is expected to serve United well as they continue to play out from the back.

Former United striker Cole – who formed part of the club’s Treble-winning squad in 1999 – has told Betfred of Onana: “His distribution’s absolutely crazy. As a player in a team, regardless of whatever position you play in, you’re going to make mistakes from time to time. That’s part and parcel of football. I watched him during Manchester United’s pre-season tour and his distribution is absolutely ridiculous and he seems like a very commanding goalkeeper. It’s been a difficult start for him as there’s no way he would have thought that he would have conceded so many goals at the start of his Manchester United career, but he’s a very, very good goalkeeper.”

United have picked up six points from three games in the 2023-24 season, with battling qualities on full display, and they will be back in action on Sunday when taking in a trip to old adversaries, Arsenal.