Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was left with eggs on his face after conceding a cheeky goal in his home debut during a pre-season friendly against French Ligue 1 side RC Lens.
The Red Devils defeated RC Lens by 3-1 but the encounter wasn’t particularly straightforward for the Old Trafford club.
Manchester United endured a shaky first 45 minutes, with several glorious chances being missed alongside an incoherent pattern of play.
The RC Lens took advantage of the English giants’ lapses in the first half.
The most notable chance in the first half which led to a goal occured in the 23rd minute when Florian Sotoca scored from more than 35 yards out.
The Frenchman found Onana out of the 18-yard-box and he took advantage by lobbing the keeper from near the center circle.
RC Lens goal against Andre Onana
Manchester United concluded the first half behind, courtesy of that great finish from Florian Sotoca.
However, things changed in the second half as Erik Ten Hag’s side showed superiority over Lens.
Three second half goals from Marcus Rashford, Anthony and Casemiro handed Manchester United a 3-1 win in front of a packed Old Trafford.
Following the encounter, Andre Onana took responsibility for the goal conceded and he welcomed all the criticisms that has accompanied the type of goal conceded.
Speaking in an interview with MUTV, Onana said: “I am responsible for everything, especially the goals we concede. I am proud of what my defenders did.”
“I am the big man in the back so I take all the criticism”
The 24-year-old joined Manchester United from Serie A side Inter Milan for a transfer fee of €52.5 million.
Was Onana impressive against RC Lens?
Despite the goal conceded, Andre Onana still put up an impressive showing against RC Lens as he made several important saves in the game.
His ball distribution qualities were also on display as he sprayed passes with ease and panache.
However, it is worthy to note that Onana hasn’t kept a cleansheet in three matches for Manchester United.
The former Ajax goalkeeper made his debut for the Red Devils in a 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid.
Andre Onana also conceded thrice in Manchester United’s 3-2 loss to German Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund.
On his Old Trafford debut on Saturday, August 5, 2023, the Cameroonian also conceded a goal as earlier shared.
Meanwhile, one player who didn’t come to the party against Lens was England international Mason Mount.
Mount wasn’t at his best against the French Ligue 1 side as he missed a sitter, following a pass from Alejandro Garnacho.
For Garnacho, the youngster has continued to develop remarkably and it was evident against the blood and gold.
Anyway, Andre Onana would be hoping he can fully kick into gear soon enough as Manchester United commence the 2023/24 season on Monday, August 14, 2023.
Erik Ten Hag’s side travel to Dublin to face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, August 6, 2023 in their final preseason game for the year.
Manchester United unveil Rasmus Hojlund
Prior to the game against RC Lens, the Red Devils unveiled new signing Rasmus Hojlund, who joined the club from Atalanta for a fee of €75 million.
Hojlund received an electric fanfare welcome in front of a packed Old Trafford and he should feature for Manchester United in the coming weeks.
The youngster might not be available for selection in the 20-time Premier League champions first game of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
