Topics: Manchester United, Andre Onana, Ruben Amorim, Europa League, Football, Lyon, Premier League
Ruben Amorim has been slammed for his comments about Andre Onana after the Manchester United goalkeeper made two errors which led to goals in the 2-2 draw against Lyon on Thursday.
Man United faced the Ligue 1 side in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals and may have come away with an advantage if Onana, 29, had performed better.
The Cameroonian ‘keeper failed to deal with Thiago Almada’s free kick during the first half of proceedings but Leny Yoro equalised shortly before the interval with his first goal for the club.
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And United thought they had nicked it when Joshua Zirkzee headed home on 88 minutes but Onana cost the Red Devils in second-half stoppage time when he failed to hold onto a shot which he parried towards Rayan Cherki who made no mistake from close range.
Fans were keen to see what Amorim, 40, had to say about his ‘keeper’s performance but the Portuguese gave an ‘odd’ response when asked if he still has confidence in the 29-year-old.
"There's nothing I can say to Andre in this moment that will help him," Amorim said when speaking to TNT Sports.
"The most important thing is to be natural and then when the time comes, I will choose the best XI to play. But I'm really confident in Andre.
"We continue to do the same thing. Training, seeing the games, trying to choose the best 11 to win every match."
In his post-match press conference, the United boss doubled down on his stance despite Onana’s torrid display in Lyon.
"If you play football, a lot of games, you can make mistakes," he explained. "If you look at the season, I've made more mistakes than them in these last games and during this last month.
"The best thing is to look at the goals [that Onana conceded], the actions that Andre had in the game, and to talk to the [goalkeeping coaches]. That's the best thing to do, to help every player to show what happened in the game and what we need to improve, and then put it to the player again."
And fans on social media fans were quick to give their thoughts on Amorim's comments with Mark Goldbridge posting to X, he wrote: "Amorim confirming Onana will continue as his goalkeeper is odd.
"By saying that publicly he's clearly intent on doing it. Not like he bought him, not like any fan wants him in goal."
In a later post, he added: "As I was told in the international break. Amorim wants Onana replaced. Well liked but not the guy Amorim wants to build with and confidence in him from the rest of the players isn't high."
United return to Premier League action with a trip to Newcastle United on Sunday, before they welcome Lyon to Old Trafford for next Thursday's second leg clash.
