Andre Onana beaten by Halfway Line Stunner But Man Utd Roar Back to Beat Lens
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana faced an intense test on his Old Trafford debut when replacing David De Gea, as Lens fired a thunderous half-volley from halfway line distance at him from outside the D. He could not handle such a powerful strike from Lens and was ultimately knocked out of contention.
Cameroonian Onana is known for taking risks in goal and did just that against Ligue 1 visitors, giving an early scare before United bounced back to win 3-1 through Marcus Rashford and Antony’s goals.
Goalkeeper Onana’s nightmare
United fans understandably are delighted about their new goalkeeper, but it must be remembered that he is only human and may make mistakes that lead to goals from opponents. Even top goalkeepers sometimes make errors that cost their side their place – but with United’s new one it could prove particularly costly if mistakes cost his job in future games.
Cameroon coach Rigobert Song made this decision after seeing that Onana played an integral part in their opening defeat to Switzerland but now faces Serbia, so Devis Epassy from Abha in Saudi Arabia was brought in as his replacement.
Change is not entirely attributable to Onana’s most recent miscue, his failure to claim Virgil Van Dijk’s backpass which allowed Curtis Jones to score an easy header goal. Song has given no further explanation behind his decision and simply stated “disciplinary reasons”.
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Lens’ first-half stunner
Lens have made an excellent start to their season despite losing Jonathan Clauss, Cheick Doucoure and Arnaud Kalimuendo to Paris Saint-Germain during the off-season transfer window. On Saturday Seko Fofana and Lois Openda led them to a convincing victory against Stade Rennais FC that further strengthens their chances of Champions League qualification.
Andre Onana likely did not enjoy his performance after letting Florian Sotoca score from near the halfway line for Lens’s early lead at Old Trafford. The Cameroonian, who signed a four-year contract this summer, could not adjust his feet quickly enough and his error gifted Lens their opening goal from near half way. To make matters worse, United debutant Diogo Dalot was also guilty of an error after joining on long-term deal from Atalanta this summer; when throwing straight to Lens forward so it was out of reach of Onana before Onana could backpedalled further backpedalling could reach him and gave them the advantage.
United’s second-half resurgence
Old Trafford was buzzing with excitement before kick-off as Rasmus Hojlund made his home debut after signing from Atalanta for PS72m, only for Lens to deliver an early shock by scoring from halfway line distance! Unfortunately for Hojlund his debut was cut short as Lens scored from halfway.
Cameroon international Onana let his nerves get the better of him during a one-on-one confrontation with Taiwo Awoniyi and appeared unsure when presented with a close range opportunity to shoot at goal. Awoniyi made no mistakes from close range.
United’s 27-year-old goalkeeper proved more assured in the second half, making key saves from Antony Rice and Casemiro to give their side their first pre-season victory. Additionally, he kept out deflected efforts from Oscar Cortes and Youssoufa Moukoko as well. Although mistakes will likely occur given his style of play – part of this learning experience as they adjust to life in Premier League! – some mistakes should still be expected given his experience level in his new position.
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Erik ten Hag’s thoughts
Ten Hag’s inaugural season as United manager has been an impressive one, winning both the League Cup and top-four finish. But he will not rest easy and is committed to rebuilding United by shifting mental tactics and instilling a desire for victory within his players.
In Lens, he fielded an experienced side that will not look out of place when Premier League action against Wolves begins in nine days’ time. Onana and Mason Mount both made their home debuts alongside Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford – an impressive roster overall!
Onana had a disastrous debut to Manchester United when Florian Sotoca took advantage of an unfortunate misplaced pass from Diogo Dalot to Raphael Varane by taking advantage of an offside decision and striking with an audacious strike into the net – marking a disjointed first half in which United’s new signings struggled to make any noticeable impactful mark on proceedings.
