In the aftermath of Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich at Old Trafford on Wednesday, two football pundits, Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage, were quick to highlight an issue with goalkeeper Andre Onana’s communication during the lead-up to Ipswich’s opening goal.
Unsettling Start for Man United
Despite Manchester United coming from behind to secure all three points, their victory was not without complications.
Ruben Amorim’s Ipswich side took the lead just five minutes into the game with a well-executed goal by Jaden Philogene.
However, United bounced back with an own goal from Sam Morsy and Matthijs de Ligt’s effort, which gave them the lead.
The game took another turn, however, when January recruit Patrick Dorgu was handed a straight red card for a risky challenge.
With a player down, United faced increasing pressure from Ipswich, and the match became an unpredictable battle.
Ferdinand and Savage Point Fingers at Onana and Dorgu
Before Dorgu’s dismissal, both Ferdinand and Savage were critical of Onana’s lack of communication with Dorgu during Ipswich’s early goal.
Savage, in particular, expressed his frustration over the incident during TNT Sports commentary.
“Wow,” Savage said, assessing the situation.
“Dorgu has tracked the run, and the communication between Onana and Dorgu must be non-existent.
Credit to Jaden Philogene for his desire, but I’ve no idea why Onana is coming out to that position. Dorgu has it under control. Onana shouldn’t come out there.”
Savage continued, emphasizing that Onana should have stayed in his goal instead of running into the area where the defender was already in control.
“You should be talking, lay it back to him on his right foot, and then he can clear it,” Savage added.
Ferdinand Echoes the Concerns
Rio Ferdinand, also commenting on the same play, agreed with Savage’s assessment.
He suggested that Onana had no reason to come out and interfere with Dorgu’s efforts. “A terrible start.
I don’t think Dorgu, at any moment, looks up to see where Onana is,” Ferdinand said.
He explained that Dorgu was in full control, and Onana’s decision to come out only caused confusion. “Onana doesn’t need to come in.
The full-back is in complete control, and he can just hold his ground and let him play it back to him.”
Ferdinand further criticized Onana’s awareness, stating that Ipswich’s goal was a result of poor communication and a missed opportunity for United to clear the danger.
“Ipswich took a deserved lead for pouncing on that lack of communication.”
Onana’s Challenging Season at Manchester United
Onana’s performance this season has raised concerns among some former United players.
Massimo Taibi, a former Manchester United goalkeeper, voiced his opinions on Onana’s struggles earlier this season.
Taibi suggested that Onana was underperforming in the Premier League and struggling to adjust to the demands of English football.
“Andre, you are one of the best keepers in Europe, but in the Premier League, you are under-performing,” Taibi said in December.
“Block out criticism, do some soul-searching, press the reset and go again.
If things don’t change by June, move on.”
Taibi pointed out that Onana’s style, particularly his ball-playing ability, might be better suited to other leagues and that his current situation at United was not helping him showcase his talents effectively.
Looking Ahead for Onana and Manchester United
With the season progressing and Man United facing increasing pressure, Onana’s performance remains under scrutiny.
Both fans and pundits will be closely watching how the goalkeeper handles the challenges ahead, particularly with more high-stakes matches on the horizon.
As for United, they will need to resolve their defensive and communication issues if they are to stay competitive in the top-tier of English football.