Title: Andre Onana: A Risk Worth Taking for Manchester United?
Introduction
Manchester United is on the verge of signing goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan, following the departure of David de Gea. While there may be some concerns regarding Onana’s past controversies, United seems willing to take the risk. This article explores the potential implications of this transfer and analyzes Onana’s playing style and statistics, highlighting why he could be a valuable addition to the team.
Onana’s Controversial Past
One of the concerns surrounding Onana is his history of conflicts and controversies. During his time with the Cameroon national team, he had a falling out with coach Rigobert Song due to his risky playing style, which ultimately led to his retirement from international football. Additionally, at Ajax, Onana tested positive for the banned substance Furosemide after accidentally taking his wife’s medicine. Although he faced a ban from football, it was later reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Issues at Ajax
Even Erik ten Hag, who is familiar with Onana from their time together at Ajax, had to deal with the goalkeeper’s fitness problems and contract issues. Ten Hag dropped Onana for the Dutch Cup final against PSV Eindhoven and subsequently never played him again. However, it is important to note that people mature and change over time, and thorough due diligence would have been carried out before considering this transfer.
Onana’s Impressive Statistics
Despite the concerns surrounding Onana, his passing statistics speak volumes about his abilities as a goalkeeper. According to FBref, Onana completed every single short pass he attempted in Serie A last season (224), showcasing his accuracy and composure. He also had a remarkable 98% completion rate for medium-range passes. Furthermore, over half of his long passes (54.7%) found their intended targets.
In total, Onana completed 81.3% of the 1030 passes he attempted from goal, demonstrating his ability to contribute to his team’s attacking play. His progressive style of play helped Inter Milan become a formidable force, and he played every minute in the Champions League as they reached their first final in a decade.
Onana’s Modern Goalkeeping Style
Onana’s confidence in his abilities as a modern goalkeeper is evident. He believes that the position has evolved significantly over the past two decades, emphasizing the importance of playing with his feet, being good in one-on-one situations, and claiming high balls. His adaptability and willingness to exploit available spaces make him a valuable asset for any team.
Conclusion
While there may be valid concerns about Andre Onana’s past controversies and conflicts, Manchester United seems willing to take the risk. Onana’s impressive passing statistics and modern goalkeeping style make him an attractive prospect for the team. It is essential to remember that people can mature and change, and Onana’s potential contribution to United’s success cannot be overlooked. As long as the necessary due diligence has been conducted, this transfer could prove to be a wise decision for Manchester United.
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