Andre Onana has told Manchester United fans he is ready to take even more risks in goal this season.
One of the main reasons United signed the Cameroon goalkeeper from Inter Milan last summer was Onana’s ability to play more expansively by passing out from the back, coming off his line and even outside his penalty box.
It didn’t always go to plan in the early days when Onana was beaten from the halfway line on his home debut against Lens, and was lucky not to concede a penalty towards the end of his first Premier League appearance against Wolves at Old Trafford.
But the 28-year-old settled after a difficult start and played in all but one of United’s 54 games as they ended the season by winning the FA Cup against Manchester City at Wembley.
Onana is approaching his second campaign at United in confident mood as ‘the best goalkeeper in the world’, and has forewarned fans that he intends to gamble even more this season.
Andre Onana has told Manchester United fans that he is ready to take even more risks in goal in this season
The Cameroonian stopper endured difficult spells in his debut campaign at Old Trafford
‘Yes, that’s me,’ he said with a laugh. ‘I think it’s what you’re going to see this season because I will take a lot of risks. I can tell you in advance already! Be prepared because it’s going be (like that) this season, trust me! I will enjoy it even more when this season starts.
‘The best team in the world takes risks. Building from the back, recognising things, situations, when the opponent jumps one against one or when they press with three or with four.
‘So for me it’s important to recognise those kind of things and make the best decision for the team. I will take a lot of responsibility and I think my back is huge to carry it all, no? I think it’s going be nice this season.’
Onana insists he has learned to handle the criticism at United after his shaky start, and admits expectations should be high at a club with such a big stature.
‘Yes, I think six months ago I felt at home, ‘ he added. ‘It’s not always easy to settle in a new country, a new league and new people around but my teammates helped me a lot, so I’m happy.
‘Maybe in the beginning, it was a bit strange for me because I wasn’t used to the country and the set-up but I feel good. It’s a nice place to be and my teammates, the staff and the fans make it really easy for me, so I’m happy to be here.
‘Being a player for Manchester United, when you don’t win it’s fair to receive criticism because, at the end of the day, it’s part of the job.
‘We are here for it and me coming here as the best goalkeeper in the world, it’s normal they were tough on me because they expect a lot from me.
Onana finished the season strongly and enters the new campaign full of confidence as the side look to improve on their eighth place Premier League finish
'But at the same time. they also give me a lot of love. You just have to balance that and critics sometimes are good because you have to look back at what you did that was not good, so for me I take it positively.’
Although beating City in the Cup Final at Wembley saved Erik ten Hag’s job, United finished eighth in the Premier League and Onana accepts the club need to aim much higher.
‘As the best club in the country, the perspective is always high,’ he said. ‘It’s to win everything, fight for every single game and be more consistent. We already showed in the past games we can beat anyone so we’re going to fight to win everything.
‘It’s important for us. We know what we represent, we represent a huge badge. It’s not easy playing for Manchester United because the expectation is always higher.
‘I don’t think it was good enough last season because I’m coming from playing in the Champions League final and the FA Cup is important but not enough for Manchester United.
‘The targets have to be really high and we will go for it this season. We are working very hard, being really positive. I'm really excited about the new signings. I think the way my teammates are working hard every day, I’m very positive.’
Onana is adapting to a new goalkeeper coach after United replaced Richard Hartis with Jelle ten Rouwelaar, who has been brought in from Ajax to encourage the team to pass out from the back even more.
Onana admitted that United's season last term was not good enough and he is targeting better this term
The club replaced goalkeeping coach replaced Richard Hartis with Jelle ten Rouwelaar, who has been brought in from Ajax
‘It’s very good, to be honest,’ added Onana. ‘I also had a very good relationship with Richard, he was a really good guy and helped us a lot, especially when I came here and faced difficulties. He was there for me, so I thank him for all what he did for me and I think all the goalkeepers were very happy with him.
‘Now the club decide to move on and bring someone else and we are working together and we are happy to work with Jelle.
‘He has his own way to work. It’s nice, we are having fun and enjoying it, and the most important thing is for the team to win. So we are ready to face anyone.’