Andre Onana joined Trabzonspor on loan from Manchester United in September and has helped the Turkish team rise to the top of the Super League table.
Former Manchester United number one Andre Onana appeared to subtly criticize his Old Trafford colleagues as he reflected on his career at Trabzonspor. After falling out of favor with United, the Cameroon international moved to Turkey on loan and has won four consecutive games with his new club.
Trabzonspor are in second place in the Super Lig with 23 points, having picked up 13 points from Onana’s two games and six matches. Although the move will initially be on loan, the former Inter Milan player could eventually complete his move permanently in 2026.
Indeed, Senne Lamence has impressed, insisting he remains United’s first choice now and in the future. Onana, on the other hand, seems much happier with his current teammates.
Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola has repeatedly praised Onana’s play with the ball at his feet. In response to the praise, the keeper pointed to the value his colleagues play in making approaches like his possible.
“As I always say, it’s mostly your teammates who give you options when you put together a game,” he said. “If they help me, the job will be better.”
read more: Manchester United ‘cautious’ about Senne Lamence over Bruno Fernandes incidentread more: Sene Lamence gives advice after Manchester United star was given a ‘banning order’ in the dressing room
This comment could be read as an indication that he did not receive similar support at United. Onana came under fire for some high-profile mistakes unrelated to his play from the back, but United’s defensive struggles have been well-documented.
In the two seasons between Onana’s departure, the Red Devils conceded 58 and 54 goals respectively. Only in the other two seasons in the Premier League have they conceded more than 50 goals, one of which was conceded by some of the same defenders currently at the club in 2021-22.
Reflecting more broadly on his approach, Onana said: “If I have to make a play, I analyze it first. Are they pressing, are they pressing with their wingers, are they pressing with their strikers or are their centre-backs coming forward?”
“That’s what you have to look at when you have the ball. You look at how the opponent is moving and then you look at your options and make a decision. Of course it’s always great to hear comments like that from Pep Guardiola. He’s one of the best managers in the history of football.”
Onana’s Trabzonspor side have the best defensive record in Turkey, conceding just seven goals in 10 games. His parent club has conceded 14 goals in nine league games, with three out of three coming from Rammen’s goals and 11 from six coming between the sticks of Altai Bindir.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
