BREAKING NEWS: coming from Fabrizio Romano, Erik ten hag has praised on of his players in their win against Southampton in the premier league where they emerged victorious in a 3:0 win, calling him the brain behind the win. He said ” whenever I have him in my team I’m never worried cause I know whats he’s capable of he’s the main reason why we won the match against Southampton. Manchester united are blessed to have such a player”. Manchester united boss Ten hag praises star player for his professionalism and ability to play in different positions.
Manchester United fans have been full of praise for Andre Onana after the goalkeeper played a key role in their 3-0 victory over a 10-man Southampton on Saturday, September 14. The Cameroonian keeper made a crucial save that helped turn the tide of the game, denying Cameron Archer from the penalty spot in a pivotal moment.
The match reached a turning point in the 33rd minute when Southampton had a golden chance to take the lead. Diogo Dalot brought down Tyler Dibling in the box, and a penalty was awarded to the Saints. Cameron Archer stepped up to take the spot kick, but after a long wait, Onana came up big, diving to stop Archer’s effort. This critical save shifted the momentum in Manchester United’s favor.
Just two minutes later, Matthijs de Ligt capitalized on the moment by opening the scoring for United. Soon after, Marcus Rashford ended his goal drought with a strike in the 41st minute, giving United a comfortable 2-0 lead. Rashford’s goal was especially significant as it marked his first since March, easing pressure on the star forward.
Alejandro Garnacho then came off the bench to make his presence felt. His run forced Southampton defender Jack Stephens into a reckless challenge, resulting in a straight red card for Stephens. With Southampton down to 10 men, Garnacho added the final blow in stoppage time, scoring in the 90+6th minute to secure the 3-0 victory.
Onana’s penalty save proved to be the game’s defining moment, as Southampton had been in control up until that point. His presence between the posts was commanding throughout the match, making three key saves and providing much-needed stability at the back for United. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, who has faced criticism since replacing David de Gea at Old Trafford, is starting to silence his doubters with performances like these.
Fans were quick to highlight Onana’s impact on social media, with one fan commenting, “Andre Onana completely changed the game. After that save, I thought it was one of our best performances under Erik ten Hag.” Another fan stressed just how crucial Onana’s contribution was: “ONANA INCREDIBLE TODAY! It would’ve been a much different game and could’ve become very toxic if not for his heroics.”
Since joining Manchester United from Inter Milan last summer, Onana has been a constant presence in the starting lineup. However, his time at the club has not been without challenges. He has faced scrutiny from fans and analysts alike, with some questioning whether he was the right choice to replace De Gea, who is considered one of Manchester United’s all-time great goalkeepers.
Moreover, Onana has had to deal with a constantly changing defense in front of him. Injuries and squad rotations have meant that the back four has been anything but settled during his tenure. Speaking after the win against Southampton, Onana acknowledged the difficulties that come with an ever-changing defense. In an interview with TNT Sports, he said, “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.”
Despite these challenges, Onana has managed to keep his second clean sheet of the season in the match against Southampton. With two wins from their first four Premier League games, Manchester United will be looking to build on this momentum, and their goalkeeper’s form will be crucial in doing so.
Onana’s performance against Southampton is just the latest example of his growing importance to the team. While questions about his consistency may linger, games like these show that he has the potential to be a cornerstone of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United project. As the season progresses, the Cameroonian will look to further cement his place as a key figure at Old Trafford, helping United navigate the ups and downs of a long campaign.