The match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium today ended in a 2-2 draw, with the Red Devils depending on the exceptional goalkeeping skills of Andre Onana to secure a point.
Manchester United, under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, has encountered considerable defensive difficulties, with a staggering 237 shots conceded in their last 10 Premier League matches before today’s encounter. Nevertheless, it is Onana’s exceptional performance that has effectively prevented the situation from worsening, as the Cameroonian keeper has made an impressive 48 saves during this time.
Onana’s outstanding performance in goal has played a crucial role in Manchester United’s ability to remain competitive in the pursuit of European football in the 2024/25 season. In spite of the team’s difficulties, Onana has consistently demonstrated his exceptional shot-stopping skills, ensuring that United remains competitive in numerous crucial matches.
The 2023/24 season marked Onana’s first at Manchester United. Despite a challenging start adapting to a new league, Onana has impressed in his first season at United. His ability to play out from the back, a key reason for his signing, has been a positive, but it’s his shot-stopping that has truly shone. His reflexes are top-notch, and his tendency to hold onto the ball after saves is another strength.
Onana’s statistics place him among the top performers in the league, with an exceptional save percentage and a notable ability to prevent goals.Onana boasts the league’s fourth-best save percentage (71.95%) and ranks inside the top five for most shots caught (30). More importantly, he’s prevented an extra 5.7 goals compared to what United were expected to concede this season,
Onana’s composure and remarkable saves have been crucial in keeping Manchester United in contention during numerous matches, despite facing a high number of shots. Despite their surprising sixth-place standing, only bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United have faced more shots (560) than United (554). His impressive agility and lightning-fast reactions have been evident, showcased by standout moments such as a breathtaking save to thwart Erling Haaland and a crucial stop against Brentford’s Mads Roerslev.
Manchester United’s away draw today against Bournemouth highlights the significant role Onana plays for the team. With Bournemouth’s formidable attacking prowess, United once again found themselves depending on their custodian to repel the opposition’s advances and secure a favourable outcome. Securing a point is certainly a favourable outcome.
While United desperately needs to tighten up defensively, they’ll take comfort in having Onana as their last line of defense. Leading the league in saves for goalkeepers after 31 appearances, Onana has undoubtedly earned his place as a standout performer this season. However, if United can’t improve their work off the ball, expect Onana to be even busier in the upcoming games.
With Manchester United’s sights set on ending the season on a positive note, Onana’s performances will undoubtedly be pivotal in their quest for success.
