Rio Ferdinand stated why goalkeeper Andre Onana is the only Manchester United player to emerge with any credit after Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham.
Manchester United’s crushing 3-0 defeat meant the Red Devils have only won three out of a possible nine matches across all competitions this season. Manchester United’s sole Premier League victories have come against Fulham and Southampton, as well as Barnsley in the League Cup.
Subpar performances from Manchester United players were on full display at Old Trafford, but club icon Rio Ferdinand believes Andre Onana can keep his head up.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the six-time Premier League winner said Onana is now starting to justify his £43.8 million price tag following a rocky first season.
“Do you know who I need to give a shout-out to, who received a lot of flak last season? “Onana,” said Ferdinand. “Without him, it’s about six or seven today. Onana has played well this season, stepping up and making some key stops.
“Yes, there have been some unusual things here and there, but he’s been what you want to see. This season, Onana has delivered exactly what I expected. He’s the only player today who leaves the game with any form of credit or compliments.
“He can walk away with his head held high.” He won’t because he’ll be sitting there injured, having allowed three goals. But he was not responsible for any of the goals; he kept us in the game.”
Onana’s attempts are insufficient to stop Ten Hag sack conjecture.
Onana made seven stops in the game, twice thwarting Timo Werner in one-on-one situations.
Tottenham recorded an xG (expected goals) of 4.59. Onana’s anticipated goals conceded from shots on target (xGOT) was 3.46.
Both stats clearly suggest that Onana performed well and kept the scoreline from getting out of hand.
Despite Onana’s efforts, the failures of his colleagues have further fueled suspicion about their manager’s status.
According to TEAMtalk, despite the board’s support, Erik ten Hag will be ‘very lucky to see out the season.’
According to the Telegraph and Sky Sports, Ten Hag will receive public support ahead of critical forthcoming matches against FC Porto (Europa League) and Aston Villa (Premier League). It is unlikely that a managerial shift will occur soon.
Even with the favorable results from those two games, we understand it is quite unlikely that Ten Hag would keep his position until the end of the season.
