Andre Onana in Action Andre Onana has held his hand up and admitted responsibility for Manchester United's UEFA Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.
Although the game ended 4-3 in the Bundesliga side's favour, the Cameroon international feels it was his failure to keep out Leroy Sane's shot, after the Reds had started so well and looked comfortable, that was a crucial moment in the tie.
Bayern took control to extend their unbeaten run in the group stages to 35 games, a competition record, stretching back six years.
It may have been an unhappy European debut for the club for Onana but he did make a number of good saves in the second half, particularly one outstanding stop to tip away an Eric Choupo-Moting drive.
However, he fronted up to TNT Sports after the match and spoke to the broadcaster about the seven-goal clash at the Allianz Arena.
"It's difficult, you know," he admitted. "It's difficult to lose this way because I feel in the beginning, we started very good. After my mistake, we lost the control of the game. You know, it's a difficult situation and for me especially because I'm the one who let the team down. But the team was very good, I think it's because of me, that they didn't win this game.
"So I'm happy for the work of the team. We just have to move on. This is the life of the goalkeeper and, if we didn't win today, it is because of me."
Onana reiterated that the moment he allowed Sane's shot to go in spoiled all of the good work in the opening exchanges, even if so much happened afterwards.
"I think we were very good on the ball," he added. "They didn't create any chances. The first shot on target, I made a mistake so I think it was the keeper and the team went down because of that mistake.
"Well, I have to learn from it, be strong and move on. It is not an easy situation. I am very happy with the comeback of the team and fighting until the end but, because of me, we didn't win.
"I have to recognise that, because of me, we didn't win."
The experienced African star, up for the FIFA Best award for the top keeper on the planet, was asked if still had to prove himself to the United supporters, after replacing David De Gea in the summer.
"Of course," he said. "I still have a lot to prove because, to be honest, my start in Manchester is not so good or how I want to play. How I play today, it was one of my worst games. It's difficult. We have big ambition, we're a very big club and want to win everything.
"This was a big opportunity for us to bounce back after the situation we are facing and, yeah, it's tough, a tough time.
"We have to be together. We have to continue working how we are doing and learn from our mistakes because it is the only thing to do."
Credit: Manchester United FC Ltd
Category: World-News
Tag: Bayern Munich Manchester United Andre Onana
Written by Omooba Alekuwodo (omoobaalekuwodo)
Published 9/21/2023 7:02:58 AM