Theatre of Nightmares! How Andre Onana helped knock Manchester United out of Champions League
English giants, or perhaps, sleeping giants, Manchester United, were sent packing from the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night after losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich.
They finished bottom of a group also containing Galatasaray and Copenhagen.
It was another low in a season packed with lows, and another home defeat to further deepen Erik ten Hag's woes.
However, they may have stood a much better chance if goalkeeper Andre Onana performed to the best of his abilities in Europe's premier competition.
How Onana contributed to Manchester United's exit
Onana faced a tough season, conceding 15 goals in six appearances and being directly responsible for several. Notably, Leroy Sane's opening-game effort against Bayern Munich only required a routine save than any academy keeper would be expected to make.
The Cameroonian followed that up with a weak, errant pass, which led to Casemiro giving away a penalty against Galatasaray before falling to the ground early as Mauro Icardi netted the late winner.
Most errors leading to opposition goals by goalkeepers in the UEFA Champions League since 2018-19:
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) November 29, 2023
7 - André Onana (44 apps)
6 - ❌
5 - ❌
4 - ❌
3 - Manuel Neuer (41 apps), Gerónimo Rulli (12 apps) pic.twitter.com/oUeSYP1cS9
In the return leg, the struggling shot-stopper was again to blame as two unfortunate free-kick goals were conceded meekly to Hakim Ziyech in Istanbul.
Despite an added-time penalty save against Copenhagen providing a glimmer of hope for Onana and United's progression, the 27-year-old continued to struggle.
The Red Devils may have progressed if Onana was at his best, unfortunately, he has not been.
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