Manchester United splashed £44million to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan as David de Gea’s replacement in 2023, but David James says he’s been “frustrated” with the 28-year-old – believing he can do much more
Andre Onana has “disappointed” at Manchester United and is not even in the top six goalkeepers in the Premier League, according to David James.
Former England keeper James said he has been “frustrated” with Onana since the Cameroon international joined United from Inter Milan for £43.8million 14 months ago. Onana was bought by United because of his impressive distribution and passing range with his feet, but James said the 28-year-old has failed to properly showcase that ability since making the move.
“I’m frustrated with what Onana has brought to the club since he joined from Inter Milan,” said James. “When he signed from Inter, I was expecting him to have a transformative effect on the way that Manchester United play. I wanted him to bring that ball-playing ability to the team, that passing range.
“For whatever reason, Onana hasn’t been the best version of himself since he joined the club and that’s disappointing.
“They wanted a keeper who was good with his feet and could pick pinpoint passes over long distances, because that brings variety to your play. That’s what Onana is capable of and we haven’t seen it at United.
“We’ve seen Ederson hit some wonderful balls this season, Onana has that in his locker. He’s more than capable of doing the same thing.”
James, speaking to safestcasinosites.co.uk, added: “You always look at the individual first and wonder why they’re not performing. Is the problem Erik ten hag and his coaching staff? It doesn’t make sense that he’s not doing the things that United signed him for when he pulls on the shirt.
“I look at Arsenal ’s signing of David Raya. He’s starting to fulfil the potential the club saw in him when they signed him and you could say that he’s the best version of himself at Arsenal. That simply isn’t the case for Onana at United.
“Onana isn’t the best goalie in the league. At the moment, I wouldn’t put him in the top six, but he’s more than capable of getting there. I want to see him improve.”
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