Why the Onana Blame Game Ignores the Bigger Picture in Lyon-Man U Debacle

The digital ink is still drying on the post-mortem of Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final first leg. Predictably, the crosshairs have been firmly fixed on goalkeeper Andre Onana. Headlines have been screaming about his “howlers” and “costly errors,” conveniently overlooking the systemic frailties that plagued the entire Manchester United outfit at the Groupama Stadium. While Onana undeniably made mistakes, the fervent, almost gleeful condemnation reeks of a familiar media bias. There is clearly a rush to identify a single culprit rather than dissect the collective shortcomings of the team.

The Selective Outrage

The narrative being spun paints Onana as solely responsible for surrendering a valuable away victory. Yet, where was this same level of vitriol when Real Madrid’s lauded goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, was picking the ball out of his net twice against Arsenal, courtesy of Declan Rice’s expertly taken free-kicks? The silence then was deafening. That is a sharp contrast to the cacophony surrounding Onana. As one online football analyst pointed out, “It’s funny how different the reaction is when a United keeper makes a mistake compared to when others do. The agenda is clear.” Are we to believe that goalkeeping errors are only unforgivable when committed by those wearing the Manchester United crest?

Defensive Lapses Ignored

Let’s dissect the goals conceded. The first, a well-struck free kick from Thiago Almada, undoubtedly caught Onana out. However, the narrative conveniently omits the fact that the foul itself was conceded in a dangerous position due to a lapse in midfield discipline. Where is the scrutiny on the players who allowed Lyon to even get into that threatening area? As another fan commented online, “We gave away a silly free-kick. Onana should have done better, but let’s not pretend the chance wasn’t avoidable.”

More egregious is the outcry over the equalising goal in the dying moments. The replay clearly shows a shot from Georges Mikautadze that Onana initially saved. The ball spilled, yes, but where were the defenders? Rayan Cherki ghosted in to tap home the rebound with a shocking lack of pressure. To solely blame Onana for failing to hold onto a powerful, late shot ignores the fundamental defensive failure to clear the danger.

Were the central defenders marking space or their opponents? The silence on this crucial aspect is deafening. One particularly insightful tweet read, “Onana made a save! Where was the follow-up from our defenders? Absolutely shocking defending.”

Matic’s Pre-Match Jibe: Fueling the Fire?

As former United midfielder Nemanja Matic’s pre-match comments resurface, conveniently amplified by those eager to fuel the negativity, it’s crucial to remember the context. Matic’s words, stating that Onana is “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history,” while perhaps reflective of past frustrations, should not be used to pre-judge or overshadow the nuances of a single game. The timing of these resurfaced quotes only serves to intensify the already critical atmosphere surrounding the current goalkeeper.

Amorim’s Steadfast Support

Thankfully, amidst the storm of criticism, a voice of reason has emerged. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, speaking in the post-match press conference, offered a staunch defense of his goalkeeper. “Andre is a top goalkeeper. He knows he made mistakes, but these things happen in football. I have complete trust in him. He has shown his quality throughout the season, and one difficult night does not change that. We win as a team, and we draw as a team. The focus should be on how we can improve collectively, not on singling out individuals.” This support from the manager speaks volumes and provides a much-needed counter-narrative to the prevalent blame game.

Beyond Individual Errors

It’s easy to point fingers at the man between the posts. Goalkeeping errors are visually dramatic and often directly lead to goals. However, a balanced and fair journalistic approach demands a broader perspective. Lyon, playing at home, are a capable side. To expect a flawless performance away from home in a European quarter-final is unrealistic. The defensive structure, the midfield control, and the overall game management all played a part in the final scoreline. As one seasoned football pundit commented online, “United had chances to put the game to bed. Let’s not pretend this draw is solely down to the keeper.”

The rush to condemn Onana feels like a symptom of a wider media obsession with individual scapegoating, particularly when it comes to high-profile players at clubs under pressure. It’s a simpler narrative than dissecting complex tactical and structural issues. But it’s a disservice to the truth and a blatant disregard for the collective nature of football.

Andre Onana undoubtedly has areas to improve, but to paint him as the sole architect of this draw is not only unfair but also lazy journalism. It’s time to look beyond the easy target and analyze the multifaceted reasons behind Manchester United’s performance in Lyon, acknowledging that errors, both individual and collective, contributed to the final result. The scapegoat syndrome needs to be retired, and a more nuanced, holistic analysis needs to take its place.

Mimi Mefo Info