Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana has publicly praised his former coach, Erik ten Hag, amidst growing doubts about the manager’s future at the club. Despite the intense scrutiny surrounding ten Hag due to United’s disappointing season, Onana commended the 54-year-old as a quality coach. The goalkeeper acknowledged ten Hag’s tactical prowess and described him as a positive coach with a good personality.
Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford has come under severe pressure following the team’s underwhelming performance in the Premier League, culminating in an eighth-place finish. The lackluster results mean that United must secure a victory against Manchester City in the upcoming FA Cup final to secure a place in European competition next season. Onana recognized the difficulties faced by ten Hag, particularly due to key injuries to players such as Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw, which have further complicated the season for the manager.
As ten Hag prepares for the crucial cup final, one of the key decisions he faces is whether to include Marcus Rashford in the starting lineup. Rashford, who scored an impressive 30 goals last season, has struggled this campaign, registering only eight goals. This decline in form resulted in him being omitted from the England squad for Euro 2024. However, Onana expressed confidence in Rashford’s ability to bounce back, emphasizing that the forward has the potential to make a significant impact for the team. According to Onana, Rashford’s current challenges are part of a natural fluctuation in form and performance, and he believes that the player will overcome this phase to deliver crucial goals for United.
While acknowledging the tough circumstances faced by the manager and the entire club, Onana refrained from explicitly backing ten Hag. He highlighted the need for individual accountability and resilience, suggesting that ten Hag, as an experienced professional, should have the confidence to support himself during challenging times. Despite the uncertainties looming over United’s future, Onana maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the team’s collective effort and determination to overcome obstacles.
André Onana’s remarks about Erik ten Hag shed light on the complexities and challenges facing Manchester United as they navigate a turbulent period. While the team’s performance may have fallen short of expectations, Onana’s endorsement of ten Hag’s coaching abilities and the players’ potential for resurgence provides a glimmer of hope for the future. As United prepares for a critical showdown in the FA Cup final, the support and determination displayed by individuals like Onana and Rashford underscore the resilience and fighting spirit ingrained within the club’s ethos.