André Onana’s perfect response to ridiculous media drama surrounding Harry Maguire

André Onana has been at the centre of some rather ridiculous criticism since Manchester United lost 3-2 against Borussia Dortmund.

Signing for Manchester United a little under two weeks ago, André Onana is probably the most significant introduction into Erik ten Hag‘s squad since Lisandro Martinez was brought into the side.

Onana is expected to, and to some extent has already, transform United’s style of play into one that is much more of a possession and ground-based approach, with his fundamental goalkeeping skills being coupled with fantastic ball-playing abilities.

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So far in pre-season, these abilities have been apparent against both Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, with the recent loss to Dortmund also showing the commanding side of his game.

Early in the second half, when Onana was substituted on in the place of Tom Heaton, there was a point where the No. 24 shouted at Harry Maguire after the English defender made a risky pass that led to Onana having to save from Sebastien Haller.

Rightfully so as well, as a goalkeeper should always make sure to keep his defensive line in check.

“I try to talk to them a lot because I know he’s a good player, he is one of the captains of the team,” Onana told MUTV about the moment after the game. “That’s big and he is good with the ball, so I would demand [from] him a lot and he’s a good, great guy.”

The media attention on the moment – it’s not even an incident – has been nothing short of ludicrous. Published posts from outlets such as The Athletic, talkSPORT, and the Daily Mail among others have hinted at the idea that Onana was in the wrong to do so.

At a time when many claimed for years that United did not have players who show enough passion for the club, Onana is a complete breath of fresh air. Onana is showing traits that fans have been crying out for years, and this should be celebrated.

It is not the only time Onana has done this, either. Anyone who watched him play for Inter Milan will confirm that it was a consistent trait of his, and he even did the same with Raphaël Varane against Real Madrid, and no one batted an eyelid.

The whole fiasco about that moment is driven purely by the media to write a story where there isn’t one and focus on Harry Maguire once again while trying to cause chaos surrounding United’s new goalkeeper. It’s pathetic.