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Andre Onana Manchester United 2024-25Getty

'He asked us to play smart?' - Andre Onana responds to Erik ten Hag's rallying cry prior to Europa League draw with Fenerbahce

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  • Man Utd draw 1-1 with Fenerbahce
  • Ten Hag told his side to "play smart"
  • Onana praises team's character
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    United secured a third-straight draw in this year's competition with a point at the Turkish giants on Thursday. Keeper Onana, who played a huge role in the Red Devils getting something from the game, was asked whether his side had shown character in the contest. The 28-year-old initially questioned what manager Ten Hag had said about playing smart before the encounter, before agreeing and praising his team-mates.

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    WHAT ANDRE ONANA SAID

    He told TNT Sports: “The manager asked us to play smart?. I think yes [we did this], we had more control than them and more chances than them, football sometimes there is randomness, we conceded early in the second half, and we had to show character and this is what we did."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    While they are unbeaten in the Europa League this season, question marks are still being raised over Ten Hag's team and his coaching ability. They sit 21st in the 36-team table and desperately need a win to kickstart their competition. Despite Onana's heroics against Jose Mourinho's side, Ten Hag's position at the club is, seemingly, not that secure.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    United, who sit 12th in the Premier League, travel to West Ham on Sunday before rounding off the month with a home clash against Leicester City in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.