Man United star dismisses interview praise, says “painful” draw overshadows performance

One Manchester United player dismissed personal praise from an interviewer after Manchester United’s “painful” draw against Brentford on Saturday night.

Erik ten Hag’s side put in a poor performance away at the Gtech Community Stadium. The result means that Champions League qualification is even more unlikely.

Mason Mount appeared to win the game for United before a quick equaliser in the dying moments of the game from The Bees. It was the least that Thomas Frank’s side deserved.

One player who has received praise for his performance is André Onana, who has been one of the few United players in good form, after some more impressive saves during the Premier League draw.

However, when MUTV presenter Zarah Connolly applauded Onana for his performance after the game on Saturday, he rejected the compliments and instead focused on the “painful” draw.

“It might not have been the best game, but for you personally, you had some incredible saves and moments in that game. You really fought for the team,” said Connolly.

Onana responded: “Well, the most important thing is the victory of the team, you know. It’s good when you contribute, and you have a victory in the end, you know.

“Of course, we didn’t lose this game, but the way we concede that goal is painful for all of us, you know because we end this together, we block short, we make safe together, so it’s difficult.”

Whilst the result and performance from the team were frustrating, this is the exact kind of response that you want to hear from Onana.

The goalkeeper suffered a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, particularly in the Champions League, but has turned his form around since his return from AFCON.